Driver in fatal DUI accident awaits court
By Nancy Needham nancy@theacorn.com

Family, friends and members of a saddened community attended funeral services Tuesday to remember the life of Karey Marsh, 46, who was jogging on Lindero Canyon Road last week when she was struck and killed by a motorist.

The 100-seat chapel at Pierce Brothers Valley Oaks Memorial Park in Westlake Village was filled to capacity. Others viewed the service by closed-circuit television in separate rooms. Additional seating outdoors was provided as visitors continued to arrive.

A woman from Merrill Lynch, where Marsh worked for 15 years, remembered her friend as a person who took good care of herself and those she loved.

"Her health was very important to her," Julie Orato said. "She also cared for the health of others and was always looking out for everyone."

Marsh had also worked as a trainer at the Spectrum Club in Thousand Oaks.

Marsh's life ended while she was jogging her usual path on the Thousand Oaks side of Lindero Canyon Road near Bowfield Street at 6:20 a.m. Aug. 26. The Agoura Hills woman was struck and killed by a Subaru Forester driven by a man suspected of being under the influence. Marsh was single and had no children.

Santa Rosa Valley resident Nicholas LaGrotta, 23, allegedly veered off the straight road and crashed through signs, utility boxes and vegetation, leaving no skid marks. Marsh was thrown about 30 feet into the brush, according to Detective Eric Buschow of Ventura County Sheriff's Department.

"She was not doing anything unsafe," Buschow said.

LaGrotta, who is being treated for injuries, is currently in the hospital section of the main jail in Ventura waiting for a Sept. 12 arraignment for three felonies, including gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated and driving with a .08 percent blood alcohol level and causing injury.

His bail was set at $100,000.