Poway, California (February 14, 2026) — A young woman was killed late Saturday night in a violent crash near Poway, and multiple others, including a pregnant passenger, were injured in what authorities are investigating as a hit-and-run collision.
Family members identified the deceased as Sherilynne Hammer. She was pronounced dead at the scene. The collision occurred at approximately 11:25 p.m. at the intersection of State Route 67 and Scripps Poway Parkway.
Incident Details: According to the California Highway Patrol, a Honda Civic was traveling northbound on SR-67 and entered the intersection to make a left turn onto westbound Scripps Poway Parkway. At the same time, a Chevrolet Tahoe traveling southbound on SR-67 entered the intersection, and the two vehicles collided.
Hammer was a passenger in the Honda Civic. Emergency medical personnel pronounced her deceased at the scene.
Family members told reporters that several other individuals were inside the Civic at the time of the crash, including Hammer’s boyfriend, her brother, and her brother’s girlfriend, who was seven months pregnant.
Following the collision, the pregnant passenger reportedly underwent an emergency C-section. The current medical condition of the mother and newborn has not been publicly released. Information regarding the conditions of the other occupants has also not been disclosed.
Authorities confirmed that one person has been arrested in connection with the incident. However, it has not yet been confirmed whether that individual was the driver of the Chevrolet Tahoe or whether the arrest was directly related to allegations that one vehicle fled the scene.
Investigation: The California Highway Patrol is leading the investigation into the crash. In intersection collisions involving left-turning vehicles, investigators typically analyze right-of-way rules, traffic signal sequencing, vehicle speeds, and line-of-sight visibility.
Crash reconstruction teams may review physical evidence, such as impact points, debris, and vehicle damage, to determine the sequence of events. Data from vehicle recorders may reveal braking and steering inputs before impact. If a hit-and-run is confirmed, investigators will check if the driver followed California’s duties, such as stopping and rendering aid.
Late-night crashes at major intersections often involve complex visibility and speed dynamics, particularly on state highways where vehicles may be traveling at higher speeds through signalized intersections. Determining which driver lawfully entered the intersection and whether either failed to yield will be central to the findings.
Legal Considerations: Fatal intersection crashes frequently raise both criminal and civil liability issues. If a driver fled the scene or was impaired, criminal charges may include felony hit-and-run or vehicular manslaughter, depending on the circumstances.
Pending the outcome of the investigation, Hammer’s family may have the right to pursue a wrongful death claim to address funeral expenses, loss of companionship, and other damages resulting from her death. The other injured occupants may also pursue personal injury claims depending on the final determination of fault.
I offer my heartfelt condolences to the Hammer Family and send my wishes for strength and healing to everyone affected.
Source: FOX 5 San Diego