(Lemon Grove, CA) A 26-year-old man was killed early Sunday morning, October 26, in a State Route 125 crash that involved multiple vehicles in the Lemon Grove area, authorities said.
According to Officer Jasmine Lopez of the California Highway Patrol, the pileup occurred shortly before 4:30 a.m. on northbound State Route 125 near Spring Street. A 2023 Nissan Sentra reportedly veered out of its lane and struck a 2007 Mercedes-Benz E350 parked on the shoulder. Moments later, a 2022 Ford Edge collided with the Nissan.
The Nissan’s driver fled the scene on foot, leaving behind a gravely injured passenger. Paramedics arrived but pronounced the 26-year-old San Diego man dead at the scene. His name has not yet been released, pending notification of family.
The other drivers and two passengers in the Mercedes suffered minor injuries. The CHP said the cause of the crash remains under investigation and that it is not yet known whether drugs or alcohol were factors.
Overview on the State Route 125 Crash
When a driver flees a fatal collision, investigators review the Hit-and-Run Statute. This law requires any driver involved in a crash causing injury or death to stop, identify themselves, and render aid. Fleeing on foot leaves injured victims without help and can result in serious criminal charges.
If the initial collision occurred because the driver veered out of a lane, the Unsafe Lane Change Law may also apply. It requires drivers to make lane movements only when it is safe and with proper signaling. Investigators will likely examine whether driver error or distraction caused the Nissan to strike the parked Mercedes.
Because the crash involved vehicles stopped on the shoulder, Following Too Closely Law could be considered. This rule emphasizes maintaining a safe following distance and exercising caution near stationary vehicles. Each of these laws will help investigators determine what led to the State Route 125 crash.
Support for the Family
You should stay in contact with CHP Officer Jasmine Lopez and the local Lemon Grove station for updates on the investigation. Keeping a record of communication and any provided reports will be useful later.
When you are ready, consider consulting with an attorney who specializes in fatal highway and hit-and-run cases. They can help guide your family through both the investigative and legal processes.
Finally, take care of your emotional well-being. Lean on loved ones, local support groups, or grief counselors in the San Diego area as you process this painful loss and begin to heal.
If you have any concerns about navigating the legal process surrounding this incident, call 866-883-4318 to speak with a lawyer.
