Pala, CA (September 28, 2025) – A two-vehicle collision on State Route 76 east of Magee Road early Sunday left one person dead and three others with serious injuries.
Accident Details: According to the California Highway Patrol, the crash happened around 1:45 a.m. A 21-year-old Pala man driving a white Dodge Durango lost control for unknown reasons, spinning into the opposing lane and crashing head-on into a white Honda Civic driven by a 54-year-old Apple Valley man. The Dodge driver, his 25-year-old passenger, and the Honda driver were transported to the hospital with major injuries. The right-front passenger in the Honda was pronounced dead at the scene. The collision forced an extended emergency response as crews treated victims and investigators documented the roadway.
Investigation: CHP identified the Dodge driver as Antonio Albert Gonzalez III and arrested him on suspicion of felony DUI, felony gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated, and homicide-related charges. Investigators are analyzing physical evidence, impact locations, and vehicle trajectories to determine the sequence of events leading up to the head-on impact. Standard steps in a major-injury DUI investigation include reviewing toxicology results, interviewing witnesses, and examining electronic data from the involved vehicles. Authorities asked anyone with information to contact the CHP Oceanside Area Office at 760-643-3400.
Legal Considerations: Crashes involving suspected impairment often result in parallel criminal and civil proceedings. Surviving family members in a fatal collision may consider a wrongful death claim to seek compensation for funeral costs, loss of financial support, and related damages. Injured survivors may pursue claims for medical care, rehabilitation, lost income, and pain and suffering. Evidence gathered now—medical records, scene photographs, and witness statements—can be crucial to establishing fault and the full extent of losses. Depending on findings, responsibility may extend beyond the driver to include insurance carriers and, in some circumstances, vehicle owners.
This tragedy is heartbreaking, and my sincere condolences go out to the family and loved ones of the person who lost their life, as well as wishes for healing to those who were injured.
Source: FOX 5 San Diego