Author David Halberstam killed in Menlo Park

SF Chronical ^ | 4/23/07 | John Cote

[SF Republican]

Author David Halberstam was killed today in a three-car accident in Menlo Park, authorities said.

[GreatOne]

"There was good documentary few years ago where David host Teammates about Boston Red Sox slugger Ted William friendship with Dom Dimaggio and some other dude."

Not to be rude, but the "other dude" was Hall of Famer Bobby Doerr. Think Jeff Kent-type hitter.

Any Red Sox fan know why Doerr retired at age 33? Career-ending injury?

[Eric in the Ozarks]

Detroit management caved to every demand because they believed they were a protected class.
They didn't figure on the Japanese setting up union free plants in southern states and they weren't expecting the quality...

[Recovering_Democrat]

I loved his book "The Fifties". A liberal writer, yes, but he gave some good history in that book.

Rest in Peace, David.

[ohioman]

Not really. We should not waste our time mourning the death of this leftist turd. He did as much damage to the Vietnam war effort as Walter Cronkite.

[gracesdad]

Ah, the dulcet prose of ohioman.

[mewzilla]

Have you ever read him? Just curious. If not, Mr. Halberstam, in his own words...

Sports can distract, but they don't heal

Still no additional details on the accident.

[D-Chivas]

He had such a great vocabulary

Quagmire....

[ohioman]

I would never forgive someone like Halberstam unless he sincerely asked for it, which he did not. In fact, he was proud of his anti-war work.

[mewzilla]

A little more detail dribbling out. Still no ID on the driver that hit them, though.

Reputed journalist killed in crash

Don't ask me how that headline got by an editor.

[SF Republican]

So the driver turned left in front of fast oncoming traffic; obviously not smart.

[Dante3]

How far along was he on his next book on the Baltimore Colts? Will somebody else finish it?

[brityank]

So the driver turned left in front of fast oncoming traffic; obviously not smart.

Somebody blew through a traffic light:

According to Harold Schapelhouman, chief of the Menlo Park Fire Protection District, the car was struck by a green late-model Infiniti, with Halberstam's side bearing most of the impact, as Jones was attempting to make a left-hand turn at the intersection of Bayfront Expressway and Willow Road. No other passengers were in the Camry, which hit a third car after the initial impact.

From your links.

[SF Republican]

Thanks, I did not see where someone ran a red light.

[brityank]

It is possible the lights were screwed up, but doubtful or that would have been reported. Use maps.google.com and zoom into that intersection — there are turn lanes and lane stop markings on all roads. My guess is the Infiniti coming off the bridge tried to beat the yellow.

[Rightfootforward]

Fabulous man. In 1996, I had the privilege of talking with him for about an hour. The fact that our views didn’t always gel was of no import. The conversation was the thing. I suppose it always was with him. Whether on paper, on television, or in front of an audience, his ideas and passion for their delivery defined him. Brilliantly.

I will always be glad that I knew him even for a brief time. I can only imagine what his family must be going through. Prayers for all who knew him.