Photo courtesy of Mark Peterson.
Friends and associates are memorializing a Glendora real estate agent killed in a freeway crash in La Verne June 12.
David Brighton, 68, was killed after skidding his red 1993 Corvette off the Interstate 210 freeway westbound west of Foothill Boulevard around 6:20 p.m., according to officials with the Office of Medical Examiner-Coroner.
According to California Highway Patrol officer J. Ortiz, Brighton, a Claremont resident, was traveling 75 to 80 miles per hour in the No. 1 lane of the freeway when his Corvette veered off the freeway due to excessive speed and wet conditions.
Brighton’s vehicle overturned and landed on its roof, causing fatal blunt force trauma.
Brighton was pronounced dead at the scene. He was wearing his seatbelt at the time of the crash, Ortiz said.
Born in England, Brighton worked for Re/Max Masters Realty, 1340 E. Route 66, for 24 years.
Brighton had finished speaking with potential buyers at their home June 12 and was driving to the Re/Max office in Glendora when the crash happened, said Re/Max Manager and friend Mark Peterson.
Brighton was in many ways a mentor, Peterson said, exercising patience and care with one particular buyer who started without any property and over the last decade went on to acquire 10 units with Brighton’s help.
“He was probably one of the most generous people I’ve ever worked with. He never wanted credit for it,” Peterson said. “He was also very involved with the [Citrus Valley] Association of Realtors. He was huge on ethics to make sure the real estate agents behaved appropriately and that there was punishment for those that did not.”
Brighton, a very personal man, was known for his red ’93 Corvette in addition to a Porsche Turbo, both of which he loved to drive immensely, Peterson said.
Brighton chaired the Professional Standards Committee at the Citrus Valley Association of Realtors for three years, served as an ombudsman for five years and was named the REALTOR® of the year in 2012, according to CVAR.
Brighton began working off site several years ago in one of his vacant rental properties, but made an almost daily appearance at the Re/Max offices, Peterson said, and would bring an energy with him that was infectious.
In an email, CVAR members gave an outpouring of accolades for Brighton.
“David’s death is an unfortunate loss for all of his friends, family and Re/Max Masters agents. We appreciate him a lot in our hearts and may David rest peacefully. Goodbye friend,” said Sharon Bowler, Re/Max real estate agent.
“David was a kind and gentle man and a tribute to the REALTOR® community. I am saddened by this loss and I will truly miss him,” said Barbara McClelland, agent from Century 21 Citrus Realty in San Dimas.
Funeral plans have not been arranged yet.
