San Diego County, California (January 17, 2026) — A disabled vehicle on Interstate 5 became the site of a deadly collision in northern San Diego County when a tow truck struck a stopped sedan near the Aliso Creek Rest Area, killing two occupants, according to the San Diego County Medical Examiner’s Office.
Incident Details: The fatal crash occurred on the northbound side of Interstate 5 in the far northern reaches of San Diego County. Authorities said a sedan had become disabled on the freeway and was stationary near the Aliso Creek Rest Area when it was struck by a tow truck.
Both occupants of the sedan were pronounced dead at the scene. The victims were identified as Elliot Freier, 64, a resident of Los Angeles who was driving the vehicle, and Cora Perez, also 64, who was riding as a passenger. The Medical Examiner’s Office did not release Perez’s city of residence.
Officials have not released details regarding why the sedan was disabled, how long it had been stopped before the collision, or whether emergency flashers or warning devices were in use at the time. Information about the tow truck driver’s injuries has not been disclosed.
Investigation: Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash. In collisions involving disabled vehicles on high-speed freeways, investigators typically focus on vehicle positioning, visibility, and whether the stopped vehicle was located fully on the shoulder or partially within a travel lane.
Investigators will examine physical evidence from the scene, including the sedan’s position, impact damage, and debris, to determine how the tow truck contacted the stopped vehicle. They will also consider the tow truck’s arrival time, whether the driver was responding to a call or traveling independently.
The investigation may review whether proper protocols were followed when approaching a disabled vehicle, including assessing speed, lane changes, and the driver’s ability to perceive and avoid the stopped sedan. Visibility, traffic flow, and whether the vehicle was visible to approaching drivers will also be evaluated.
Legal Considerations: Crashes involving disabled vehicles on freeways raise liability issues. Civilly, responsibility depends on whether the vehicle was safely positioned, if drivers exercised reasonable care, and if commercial drivers followed safety standards.
When a commercial vehicle, such as a tow truck, is involved, analysis may extend beyond driver conduct to include company policies, training, and adherence to safety protocols. Tow truck operators work in high-risk roadside environments and must take extra precautions when navigating stopped vehicles on active roads.
Depending on the outcome of the investigation, the surviving loved ones of Elliot Freier and Cora Perez may consider pursuing wrongful death claims to address funeral expenses, loss of companionship, and the emotional and financial impact left behind. While no legal process can undo the tragedy, accountability helps understand how the collision happened and if it could have been prevented.
I offer my heartfelt condolences to the families and loved ones of Elliot and Cora as they mourn this heartbreaking loss.