Investigations continue into death of Jersey dad killed by suspected drink driver

Friday 13 January 2023

Criminal investigations remain ongoing two months after the death of a Bafta award-winning animation director from Jersey who was killed by a suspected drink-driver in Los Angeles last year, an inquest heard this morning.

The collision happened on 18 November as Jonathan Gales was crossing a marked crosswalk in Los Angeles.

He was taken to the California Hospital Medical Centre, but died the following day from his "traumatic injuries".

His body was then transferred from Los Angeles to New York, and from New York to Jersey.

An inquest to establish how he came by his death was opened in Jersey this morning.

Deputy Viscount Mark Harris, the presiding coroner, released Mr Gales' body for cremation then adjourned the inquest while the criminal investigations continue in LA.

According to the LA Times, 39-year-old Joseph Hansen Madarang was arrested suspicion of driving under the influence in the immediate aftermath of the crash. His bail was reportedly set at $130,000. 

Jonathan attended St. Christopher's School then Victoria College between 1997 and 2004, leaving with A Levels in Art, Photography, Media Studies, Physics and Psychology.

He was also a "keen sportsman", according to Victoria College, with a particular penchant for Rugby and Athletics. Flags were flown at half-mast at the school in memory of their "one-of-a-kind" alumnus in November.

Jonathan went on to study architecture at the University of Brighton, and later moved to London where he worked in film, winning a Bafta for his role in a trailer video for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.

The animation and visual effects director – whose wife, Claire Pepper, is expecting their second child in April, a sibling to one-year-old Finley Pepper Gales - had been visiting one of his business partners after working in Tennessee on an advert for car manufacturer Kia when the accident happened.

James Gales, Jonathan's father, previously described his son as " an inspiration to all those who were fortunate enough to meet him whether in creation, sport, or leisure."

He continued: "He was a caring, thoughtful and loving husband and father, a bubbly personality with a fascination for world culture. He had many, many friends who, along with his close, and extended family, will sorely miss him."