SAN LUIS OBISPO, CA – One of the toughest things to do as a journalist is deliver the sad news from the area, especially when it involves close friends that lost a child. Along with the community of Temecula, we are all grieving the loss of one of our own, Robert “Bobby” Dornan Hess Jr., who died in a tragic rollover accident in San Luis Obispo on October 5th.
Bobby, a 20-year-old college student, was a passenger in a white Ford Focus that lost control on O’Connor Way and crashed into a field. Despite efforts from first responders, Bobby succumbed to his injuries on the scene.
Bobby’s uncle, Scott Hess, expressed the family’s heartbreak on his GoFundMe page, saying, “It is with the heaviest of hearts that I share we lost our beautiful nephew, Little Bobby. His brother Brady and his girlfriend Meagan are beyond devastated. Bobby was a dreamer, a great friend, and was taken from us far too soon.”
Born on May 20, 2004, at Huntington Hospital in Pasadena, Bobby spent a fulfilling week vacationing in Detroit with his family before going back to college prior to the accident. He was known for his kindness, compassion, and the ability to make friends worldwide. Bobby was academically gifted, having been accepted to prestigious engineering programs, but chose to pursue his degree at Cuesta College with plans to transfer to Cal Poly San Luis Obispo.
“Bobby was committed to paying for his education and living expenses,” shared his father, Bob Hess. “He was independent and driven to achieve his dreams of becoming an aerospace engineer. He was so proud of his independence, as were we, as parents.”
While working towards his educational goals, Bobby held jobs at both the Avila Bay Athletic Club and with Trumpet Vine Catering in Paso Robles. In honor of Bobby’s wonderful spirit, excellent academic record, athletic sportsmanship and ability, his character and leadership, the Sports and Academic Academy has created a scholarship in his name and renamed their classroom ‘The Bobby Hess Classroom of Excellence.”
At an early age Bobby gravitated towards athletics, especially baseball. His childhood baseball experiences included T-Ball at both the Youth House in La Canada Flintridge, CA and the Temecula Youth Baseball League (TYB.) Some of his favorite early childhood memories revolved around TYB all-star baseball, his middle school baseball at James L. Day and his amazing teammates. In recent conversations, Bobby expressed his happiness for these special friendships that continued into his young adulthood.
Bobby was also incredibly grateful for his time playing travel baseball with the Menace Baseball Club. He traveled the country and enjoyed remarkable success with this team. He also enjoyed playing part-time with other clubs such as the – Tarheels, Swing Away, Sluggers, Desert Knights and San Diego Gamers to name a few. He thoroughly enjoyed his teammates, the coaches and the competition. Personal highlights would include pitching his team to the championship game in Cooperstown, New York, taking the mound for a game at Dedeaux Field at the University of Southern California, and playing high school baseball at Chaparral High School in Temecula.
Bobby leaves behind a loving family, including his parents, Robert Sr (Bob) and Yamilet (Yami), brother Brady, and numerous relatives who cherished him. His passing also leaves a void in the lives of his girlfriend, Meagan Ulery, and close friends, including those in Pismo Beach and here locally.
Bobby’s funeral service will take place on Friday, Nov. 1, at 11:00 a.m. at the Reliance Church in Temecula (located at 29825 Santiago Road). Friends and community members are invited to attend the service and a celebration of Bobby’s life that will immediately follow.
A GoFundMe campaign organized by Scott Hess aims to support Bobby’s family during this difficult time. The campaign has surpassed its initial goal, with donations pouring in from friends, family, and community members moved by the tragedy.
“We are humbled by the community and family support,” said his Father. “Bobby’s life, though brief, was filled with love, happiness, and meaningful relationships. His spirit will live on in all who knew him.”
For more information about the accident, authorities are urging anyone with information to contact Officer Adrianse at the San Luis Obispo CHP office at 805-594-8700.
