Tragedy struck last week as Peggy Moore, 60, a former Obama campaign worker, and her wife, Hope Wood, 48, lost their lives in a car crash in Southern California. The accident occurred on State Route 76 in Fallbrook, 55 miles north of San Diego when the Jeep pickup truck they were traveling in collided with a Chrysler sedan.
According to the San Diego County Medical Examiner’s Office, the cause of Wood’s death was blunt force trauma and torso trauma, along with the unidentified 60-year-old man driving the Jeep. The driver of the sedan also perished in the crash. The collision was a result of the sedan swerving into the westbound lanes of the highway, striking the Jeep Gladiator head-on. A silver Toyota Camry behind the Jeep was also involved in a minor sideswipe.
Moore was known for her work on former President Obama’s 2008 campaign and as an advisor to former Oakland Mayor Libby Schaaf. In 2019, Moore and Wood co-founded the political consulting firm Hope Action Change. The couple was deeply involved in advocating for same-sex causes and campaigned against a state ballot proposition aimed at invalidating same-sex marriages.
The news of their tragic passing drew heartfelt condolences from political figures. U.S. Rep. Barbara Lee of California described Moore as a friend, activist, and exceptional organizer, highlighting their impact on the community and the nation. Rusty Hicks, chair of the California Democratic Party, expressed sadness over Moore’s death, praising her as an incredible political talent and a dedicated advocate for justice.