(Palmdale, CA) A 29-year-old man suspected of driving under the influence was arrested following a Sierra Highway DUI crash that left a Melyssa Cardaropoli, 47, of Rosamond dead early Sunday morning, October 19, according to the California Highway Patrol.
Officers received calls at around 12:05 a.m. regarding a collision on Sierra Highway, south of Avenue E. The reports mentioned a head-on collision involving a 1999 Chevrolet and a 2018 Hyundai. Investigators said the Chevrolet, driven by the suspect identified only as Gonzalez of Palmdale, had been seen drifting into oncoming lanes multiple times before colliding head-on with Cardaropoli, who d rove the Hyundai.
By the time authorities arrived, they pronounced Cardaropoli dead at the scene. Gonzalez suffered serious injuries, prompting paramedics to transport him to Antelope Valley Medical Center. After he receives treatment, officers will book him on suspicion of DUI and gross vehicular manslaughter.
Perspective on the Sierra Highway DUI Crash
Crashes involving impaired driving continue to be among California’s most preventable tragedies. This incident serves as another painful reminder of how a single moment of impaired judgment can devastate multiple lives.
The key law governing such incidents is California Vehicle Code 23152. This makes it illegal to operate a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. When impairment results in a fatal crash, the driver may face additional charges under California Penal Code 191.5, which covers gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated. These offenses carry severe penalties, including lengthy prison sentences.
Because this was a head-on collision, California Vehicle Code 21651 may also be reviewed. It prohibits crossing into opposing lanes on divided highways or roads designed for one-way traffic. Violating this rule while impaired can significantly increase the likelihood of a deadly impact, as seen here.
Investigators will continue to reconstruct the events leading to the Sierra Highway DUI crash, reviewing evidence and witness accounts to determine the driver’s level of impairment and exact cause of the fatal collision.
Guidance for Cardaropoli’s Family
If you are related to Melyssa Cardaropoli, you have every right to seek information, answers, and support. Families can contact the CHP Antelope Valley Area Office for updates or to request the official collision report once it becomes available.
The Los Angeles County Victim Assistance Program also offers grief counseling and financial resources for families affected by DUI-related deaths. Speaking with a wrongful death attorney may help you understand your legal rights and options as you pursue justice and closure in the wake of this devastating tragedy.
If you have any concerns about navigating the legal process surrounding this incident, call 866-883-4318 to speak with a lawyer.
