San Bernardino, CA (January 14, 2026) – Laura Teniz, 54, and mother of four children, was killed in a multi-vehicle crash in San Bernardino that was caused by a speeding driver.
Incident Details: On Wednesday, January 14, San Bernardino Police officers responded to a welfare check on a man acting erratically. He was then seen slumped over the driver’s wheel of a Volvo sedan at a gas station at Highland and Mountain View avenues.
When police approached the location, the Volvo driver suddenly sped past them on Highland Avenue at approximately 90 mph. Officers turned around and followed the Volvo. Around 7:14 a.m., the suspect eventually crashed at the intersection of Highland and Del Rosa avenues.
The same day, Laura Teniz was driving to work at a Denny’s restaurant. She was driving a Toyota sedan and was stopped at a red light when the Volvo slammed into her car. The impact caused both vehicles to catch fire. Both vehicles were shoved into the intersection into two other cars.
Firefighters arrived at the scene to find four vehicles burning. Teniz and the suspect driver (not identified) were pronounced dead at the scene. A third person was hospitalized with minor injuries, and a fourth driver was not injured.
Authorities indicated that a toxicology report is pending and the investigation is ongoing.
Investigation: Authorities are continuing to investigate the fiery multi-vehicle crash at Highland and Del Rosa avenues that killed Laura Teniz and the suspect driver. Investigators will review the events leading up to the collision, including the initial welfare check involving the Volvo driver and the reported high-speed driving on Highland Avenue before the crash.
Police will also analyze crash scene evidence, vehicle damage, and any available surveillance or dash camera footage to confirm speed, the point of impact, and how the vehicles were pushed into the intersection and struck additional cars.
The results of the pending toxicology report will be an important factor in determining whether drugs, alcohol, or another impairment-related issue contributed to the driver’s actions.
Legal Considerations: Crashes involving extreme speeding and reckless driving can lead to serious legal consequences. Even though the at-fault driver died at the scene, civil liability may still exist through the driver’s estate and any available insurance coverage.
For Teniz’s family, a wrongful death claim may help surviving loved ones seek compensation for funeral and burial expenses, loss of financial support, and the immeasurable loss of companionship, care, and guidance she provided as a mother of four.
The other injured survivors may also have personal injury claims related to medical treatment, lost income, and recovery needs.
My deepest sympathies go out to Laura Teniz’s loved ones as they mourn this heartbreaking and sudden loss, and I hope those injured in the crash make a full and smooth recovery.
Source: KTLA5