CAR ACCIDENT: Police Investigates Cause of Veterinarian’s Death in Rancho Santa Fe Crash

January 17, 2010

Rancho Santa Fe – Authorities are investigating if the cause of death of a prominent veterinarian is related to the single-car accident that he walked away from or from head injuries he sustained after collapsing in the driveway of a Rancho Santa Fe Home.

Robert Frank Stonebreaker, 53, was found at around 7:50 am lying on the ground of a home in Paseo Delicias. He was found by the homeowner who was alerted by his dog’s barks when they were let out.

According to the California Highway Patrol, Stonebreaker was driving his 2008 Porsche Carrera on the northbound lane of Paseo Delicias when he lost control on a curve and veered of the road.

The Porsche then struck a wooden marker and plunged into a 10-15 feet deep gully filled with vegetation.

However when CHP officers arrived, Stonebreaker was nowhere to be found. There was no sign of the driver and there was no blood trail that indicated that someone was injured.

The vehicle was towed after officers finished their investigation.

CHP believes that Stonebreaker got out of the Porsche and proceeded to the home where he was found by foot.

As he approached the house he may have collapsed on his back and hit his head.

A significant amount of blood was found in the driveway.

According to CHP, he would have been discovered earlier had he stayed closer to his car.

By the time he was found, he had been dead for a few hours.

The couple who owns the home recognized Stonebreaker as they used his services in the past and even kept an article about him.

Stonebreaker was the owner and CEO of Animal and Bird Hospital of Del Mar and of FreeFlight, and was an active volunteer for Project Wildlife.

He is survived by his wife and two daughters.