Malibu, California (December 4, 2025) — Family members have identified Julián Jimenez, a Ventura resident and father of three, as one of the two drivers killed in a violent head-on collision Thursday evening on Pacific Coast Highway near Deer Creek Road. The crash occurred around 7 p.m. as Jimenez was driving to work in Malibu.
Incident Details: According to the California Highway Patrol, Jimenez was traveling on a stretch of PCH north of Deer Creek Road when a 25-year-old driver in the opposite lane suddenly swerved into his path, causing a head-on collision. The impact left one vehicle fully engulfed in flames when firefighters arrived.
Jimenez and the other driver both died at the scene. A passenger in the second vehicle sustained serious injuries and was transported to a hospital for treatment. CHP investigators said alcohol is believed to have been a factor in the crash.
Jimenez’s daughter, Julissa, told NBC4 she exchanged a final goodnight with her father just hours before the collision. He had left home to begin his routine shift cleaning a local restaurant. When he failed to answer her calls after news of the crash circulated, she began to fear the worst. Social media videos from the scene later confirmed her worries.
Investigation: CHP is conducting a full investigation to determine the exact sequence of events, including what caused the 25-year-old driver to cross into oncoming traffic. Investigators will examine tire marks, impact angles, vehicle damage patterns, and roadway conditions to reconstruct the collision.
Given the suspected role of alcohol, toxicology results will be central to the investigation. Detectives will also analyze the speed of both vehicles, as well as the lighting and visibility along the stretch of PCH, and review any witness statements or surveillance footage that may indicate erratic driving prior to the crash.
In head-on collisions on narrow or curving coastal highways, investigators also consider roadway geometry, driver fatigue, and potential distraction. A detailed reconstruction will help the Jimenez family and the loved ones of the other driver understand what led to the tragic loss of life.
Legal Considerations: Head-on collisions caused by suspected impairment raise serious questions of negligence under California law. Drivers have a duty to stay within their lane, operate at a safe speed, and never drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs. When a driver crosses into opposing lanes and causes a fatal crash, they may be held liable through criminal charges and, where appropriate, civil wrongful death claims.
For the family of Julián Jimenez, the loss is devastating. A wrongful death claim may allow the family to seek compensation for funeral expenses, loss of financial support, emotional suffering, and the irreplaceable companionship he provided. Legal action cannot restore what has been taken from the Jimenez family, but it can help secure accountability and provide stability as they navigate an overwhelming and painful period of grief.
My deepest condolences go out to the Jimenez family and friends, as well as to all those affected by this heartbreaking collision.
Source: NBC Los Angeles︱ABC7