In a tragic occurrence that could have been avoided, Jason Elola, a 49-year-old father of nine, was killed in a road rage incident by a Castro Valley, CA, on Nov 8, 2025, while returning from his son’s 18th birthday with his wife and young daughters.
For context, after a minor fender bender, Elola exited to check on his family and de-escalate, but was fatally injured. According to the deceased man’s wife, Gabrielle, the suspect rammed their car and didn’t have to kill him.
Remembering his father, Angel called him a protective, selfless man. In a move which provoked widespread scorn, the suspect, Martin Davis Jr., was arrested and then released pending investigation. The family mourned the loss of the beloved pumpkin patch owner as irreplaceable.
Announcing the tragic loss, a family member took to social media to announce the news. “On November 8th, our family experienced an unimaginable loss when our brother, husband, father, and friend Jason Elola passed away. Jason, Gabby and his two youngest girls were on their way back from his son’s 18th birthday party when they decided to stop for ice cream. When they got to Castro Valley, there was a road rage incident that resulted in Jason’s death,” the sorrowful message read.
Offering a valuable insight into his father’s character. Angel Elola spoke to local news, saying, “My dad, the protector he is, wanted to make sure his wife, 5-month-old baby, and 5-year-old daughter were OK. He got out and wanted to see what the issue was. As he got out, it just happened really quick.”
Picking up where her son left off, Gabrielle Elola continued describing the events. “When my husband went to get around him at the stoplight, he kept hitting the back of our car. We were scared. My husband got out to protect us,” she noted.
Explaining the alleged killer’s callous actions, the grieving widow continued her story. They remembered, “This person didn’t have to take my husband. He could have driven away. He could have done anything else but this. … You can’t just take somebody away from their family. We’re never going to get him back.”
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In a post to social media, Angel Elola continued to memorialize his slain father. “My father was the best man, best father, grandfather, friend and husband. He will be missed deeply by his nine kids, four grandkids and wife. My dad taught us all how to love, be compassionate, and selfless. His legacy will live on forever,” Elola stated.
In response to the unexpected death, the family created a crowdfunding page, which read, “Jason was the heart of our family — a kind, generous, and loving man who brought laughter and warmth wherever he went.” Jason was the friend and brother you could always count on, always ready to help anyone in need and put others before himself. Jason was everything to everyone, and his absence is deeply felt by all who knew him.”
Reacting to the saying, the Alameda County Sheriff’s Office declared, “This remains an active and ongoing investigation. We encourage anyone with information, including cellphone or dashcam footage, to contact the Alameda County Sheriff’s Office tip line at 510-667-3622.”