Santa Clarita, CA (May 26, 2024) – A tragic incident on the I-5 freeway in Santa Clarita involving a suspected DUI driver resulted in the death of one individual and serious injuries to another last week.
Incident Details: The crash occurred around 2:00 a.m. on Sunday on the northbound side of the freeway, just south of Calgrove Boulevard. A 2007 Toyota Corolla, carrying Clay Matthew Rodriguez and Krista Victoria Rodriguez, was rear-ended by a 2016 Nissan Frontier driven by Gary Palmas Sanchez of Simi Valley. Clay Matthew, a passenger in the Toyota Corolla, was pronounced dead at the scene by the Los Angeles County Fire Department. Krista Victoria, the driver of the Corolla and Clay Matthew’s wife, suffered major injuries and was transported to Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital for treatment.
Gary Palmas Sanchez, the driver of the Nissan Frontier, was suspected of driving under the influence. Initially, Sanchez refused a blood test, but a warrant was subsequently obtained by California Highway Patrol (CHP) officers. After the test, Sanchez was arrested on suspicion of causing a DUI crash that resulted in death and injuries, a felony charge. He was later released on bond from the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff’s Station, where he was held in lieu of $100,000 bail.
Investigation and Legal Implications: According to the CHP, traffic had stopped on the freeway when Sanchez failed to halt, leading to the rear-end collision with the Corolla, which subsequently crashed into a big rig. The ongoing investigation will further clarify the circumstances leading up to the crash and may result in additional charges based on the findings. However, based on the available of information, the family of the deceased could choose to pursue a wrongful death claim for their loss. Additionally, the injured victim could file a personal injury claim against the driver.
My deepest condolences go out to the family and friends of Clay Matthew Rodriguez during this tremendously difficult time. I also hope for a swift and full recovery for Krista Victoria Rodriguez. The family has setup a GoFundMe to help pay for funeral expenses and assist the family. Please visit their site if you’d like to donate.
Source: The Santa Clarita Valley Signal