Issac Calderon
A U.S. soldier who crashed into a nurse while speeding at 70 mph in Hertfordshire has confessed to being baffled by British road signs, according to recent reports.
Crash details and victim’s condition
Isaac Calderon, 23, admitted his lack of understanding of UK road signage after causing a severe accident on the A4103 near Shucknall in July of last year. Calderon failed to attend a scheduled court appearance and fled the UK following the incident. His victim, 56-year-old Elizabeth Donowho from Malvern, Worcestershire, suffered multiple fractures, including to both ankles, her sternum, and her right hand. Remarkably, she survived the collision.
Court proceedings and Calderon’s confession
Calderon appeared in a federal court in the Southern District of Texas on Monday for a potential extradition hearing. Court documents reveal that Calderon has acknowledged his driving was “definitely not safe.” He admitted to being “not at all” familiar with British road markings and traffic signs, explaining, “I get mixed up on the signs all the time.” Upon viewing a video of the collision, Calderon repeatedly expressed regret, saying, “S***” to West Mercia police. He also requested officers convey his apology to Donowho.
Calderon did not show up for his court date at Kidderminster Magistrates’ Court on December 1, opting instead to leave the UK for the U.S. on November 25, ahead of the scheduled hearing. The case has prompted discussions about the complexities of international legal proceedings and the challenges of holding individuals accountable across borders.
The ongoing legal process will determine whether Calderon will face justice in the UK for the severe injuries inflicted upon Donowho and the implications of his departure from the country before his court appearance.