Downey, CA (November 26, 2025) — Authorities have identified two individuals killed in a two-car collision in Downey on Wednesday as Alexis Velez Sanchez, 24, and Marely Ariana Fragoso Herrera, 18.
Accident Details: The fatal crash took place on Wednesday around 11:37 p.m. California Highway Patrol (CHP) officers responded to the scene at the southbound freeway and Lakewood Boulevard off-ramp. Officers found Sanchez and Herrera near a gray car and a second vehicle blocking the middle lanes of the freeway.
Alexis Velez Sanchez and Marely Ariana Fragoso Herrera were pronounced dead at the scene by Downey Fire Department paramedics. The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s office later indicated both victims died from blunt trauma in the accident.
Investigation: The California Highway Patrol will continue investigating this incident to determine the cause of the collision. In performing their inquiry, investigators will examine:
- Vehicle and lane positioning. Investigators will analyze where both vehicles came to rest, how they entered those positions, and whether sudden lane changes or loss of control contributed.
- Scene evidence. Skid marks, debris patterns, fluid trails, and impact damage will help reconstruct speed, braking, and the crash sequence.
- Victims’ location. Officers will determine why both victims were found near the gray car—whether they exited beforehand, were ejected, or were struck outside the vehicle.
- Mechanical issues. Both cars may be inspected for brake failure, tire blowouts, or other defects that could explain a sudden stop or loss of control.
- Driver behavior. Investigators will consider impairment, distraction, or fatigue, especially given the late-night timing.
- Witness and video review. Statements, 911 calls, dash cams, and freeway cameras may show how long the vehicles were stopped and what led up to the crash.
- Environmental factors. Visibility, lighting, traffic flow, and roadway design near the off-ramp will be evaluated to see if conditions contributed.
- Event data recorders. If available, “black box” data will provide vehicle speed, braking, steering input, and other pre-impact actions.
Accident reconstruction is frequently performed in high-impact crashes to determine how driver behavior, road conditions, and timing contributed to the fatal outcome. It can also be used to identify responsible parties.
Legal Considerations: In a collision where two people are found deceased near a vehicle on a busy freeway, one of the key legal questions is why the vehicles were stopped and what actions led to the fatal impact. Under California law, determining fault is essential in understanding whether negligence played a role. Investigators will look closely at why the gray car and second vehicle were positioned in active freeway lanes, whether either vehicle became disabled, and whether another driver failed to avoid the stopped vehicles despite having a reasonable opportunity to do so.
If the evidence shows that a driver acted negligently, this may support a wrongful death claim on behalf of the victims’ surviving family members. Negligence in this context could involve anything from inattentive driving to failing to take reasonable evasive measures when approaching a vehicle blocking the roadway.
A wrongful death action allows eligible relatives to seek compensation when a loved one dies due to another party’s careless or wrongful conduct. Depending on the outcome of the CHP investigation, the families may be able to recover damages for funeral expenses, the loss of financial contributions the victims would have provided, and the emotional and relational impact of their passing.
My heartfelt condolences go out to the family and friends of Alexis Velez Sanchez and Marely Ariana Fragoso Herrera as they navigate this devastating loss.
Source: MyNewsLA