This article covers a tragic single-vehicle crash that claimed the life of Novato resident Brendan Dermot Burke on Highway 37.
The crash happened on the eastbound side near Marsh Drive and quickly drew a response from local emergency officials.
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Traffic was a mess for hours after the crash. The cause is still unclear, and honestly, it’s another harsh reminder of just how risky some of Marin’s busiest roads can be.
Fatal Crash on Highway 37 Shocks Novato Community
Monday afternoon in Novato had been pretty uneventful until reports of a deadly rollover accident on Highway 37 started circulating.
Around 3 p.m., Brendan Dermot Burke, a 42-year-old from Novato, drove his 2018 Lexus GX 460 SUV eastbound near Marsh Drive. Witnesses said he suddenly lost control, and the SUV rolled over, finally stopping on the roadside.
California Highway Patrol Officer Alex Ochoa said no other vehicles played a part in the crash. Burke was alone in the car, and early reports show there wasn’t any collision with another motorist.
Emergency medical teams rushed him to Novato Community Hospital. Chief Deputy Coroner Roger Fielding later pronounced him dead.
Traffic Impact Across Marin County
The crash sent ripples through the Marin commute. Eastbound Highway 37 — a busy connector between Novato, San Rafael, and Vallejo — was totally blocked for nearly two hours while investigators worked the scene.
Drivers coming from Petaluma, Mill Valley, and Corte Madera toward the North Bay hit major delays during the late afternoon rush.
This stretch of Highway 37 has a reputation for being dangerous. The lanes are narrow, the shoulder almost nonexistent, and crosswinds off San Pablo Bay can get intense.
People from Marin towns like Larkspur and Fairfax rely on this route, so incidents like this really hit home for local travelers.
Investigation Into Crash Circumstances
The California Highway Patrol (CHP) has started a formal investigation to figure out what caused the rollover.
They’re looking at things like speed, the SUV’s condition, and road hazards at the time. But right now, details are still pretty thin.
Safety on Marin’s Highways
Drivers from Sausalito to Novato know Highway 37 can be unpredictable. High traffic, weather, and simple mistakes can turn things dangerous in a heartbeat.
Officials urge everyone to stay sharp, especially where visibility drops or there aren’t any median barriers.
Some key safety reminders for Marin drivers on Highway 37 and nearby routes like Highway 101:
- Reduce speed when you’re coming up on curves or spots with strong crosswinds.
- Keep safe distances from other cars, especially when it’s wet or foggy.
- Stay alert to changing road conditions and any posted advisories.
Community Mourning in Novato
Burke’s death hits hard—it’s a stark reminder of how fast a routine drive can go wrong. Friends, neighbors, and coworkers in Novato have been reaching out with condolences to his family.
The loss resonates in nearby communities like San Anselmo and Tiburon too. Folks around Marin County tend to feel these tragedies deeply, even if they didn’t know the person directly.
Moving Forward With Awareness
The CHP is still investigating, but this incident really makes you pause and think. Marin County drivers—whether you’re commuting from Terra Linda to downtown San Rafael or crossing the Richmond–San Rafael Bridge—need to stay alert. Caution matters. Maybe more than we like to admit.
Brendan Dermot Burke’s passing isn’t just another line in an accident report. Folks in Novato and beyond feel this loss. Marin has to keep pushing for safer roads, and maybe, with a little more community support, we can actually make a difference.
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Here is the source article for this story: Novato man dies after crash on Highway 37
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