Big Bear, Ca, May 5, 2011, 4:00pm – On May 4th at approximately 8:45pm, 48 year old Kevin Garland of Twin Peaks was driving northbound on Highway 18, south of Upper Waterman Canyon, when 20 year old Travis May of Rancho Cucamonga was driving at a high rate of speed in the southbound lane, lost control of his vehicle and crossed the center median into oncoming traffic. May’s F250 truck struck Garland’s Jeep Wrangler head on. According to the San Bernardino Police Department, the head on collision caused mortal injuries to Garland resulting in his death. Travis May was found to have alcohol in his system at the time of the accident, and the collision is under investigation with criminal charges pending. Garland, is well known in the mountain communities for co- founding the local Mountain Fifes and Drums Corps in 2001, and volunteered his time to direct the Corps in hopes to continue the tradition of ancient music and history. Garland was well known in Big Bear for leading the Mountain Fifes and Drums Corps during the opening ceremonies for the Big Bear Airport Airshow, and was also a Captain in the Civil Air Patrol. John Foote, Garland’s Commander in Civil Air Patrol was saddened with the news of Garland’s passing, stating “It is with a great sense of loss we announce Captain Kevin Garland’s senseless death due to an auto accident… Kevin was more than just a wonderful person; he was always a kind and considerate Civil Air Patrol member who always welcomed us at every opportunity.” Garland will be greatly missed by his fellow Civil Air Patrol, and Mountain Fifes and Drum Corps members as well as the rest of the community. There is no word yet on when services will be.
