Canyon Country, California (October 13, 2025) — Authorities have identified the woman who died following a four-vehicle crash last week in Canyon Country as 82-year-old Veronica Sowter of Newhall. The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s Office confirmed her identity after she was transported to a hospital, where she later succumbed to her injuries.
Incident Details: The collision occurred around 12:50 p.m. on Monday, October 13, on Soledad Canyon Road near Golden Oak Road. According to the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff’s Department, the crash involved four vehicles and prompted a significant emergency response from deputies and Los Angeles County Fire Department crews.
Sowter was a passenger in one of the vehicles involved. Paramedics took her to a local hospital, but she sadly did not survive. At least two additional people were injured in the collision and transported to nearby hospitals for treatment. Authorities have not yet released their names and conditions.
Eastbound lanes of Soledad Canyon Road were closed between Prima Way and Golden Oak Road for several hours as investigators documented the scene and cleared debris.
Investigation: The Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff’s Department’s Traffic Office continues to investigate the cause of the crash. Deputies are analyzing physical evidence, vehicle positions, and eyewitness accounts to determine what triggered the multi-vehicle chain reaction. Investigators are also reviewing whether speed, driver inattention, or traffic signal timing contributed to the collision.
In crashes involving multiple vehicles, investigators often rely on collision reconstruction and roadway data to establish the sequence of impacts and identify any potential violations of California Vehicle Code provisions related to safe following distance and speed.
Legal Considerations: When multiple vehicles are involved in a collision that results in a fatality, determining liability can be complex. Under California law, each driver is responsible for maintaining control of their vehicle and operating it safely, taking into account surrounding traffic and road conditions.
If evidence reveals that one or more drivers acted negligently, such as by speeding, following too closely, or failing to yield, the family of Veronica Sowter may have grounds to pursue a wrongful death claim.
Similarly, those injured in the crash may have the right to seek compensation for medical costs, lost wages, and emotional distress through a car accident claim. Preserving evidence such as crash reports, vehicle data, and witness testimony will be critical as the investigation proceeds.
I extend my heartfelt condolences to the Sowter family and loved ones, as well as best wishes for recovery to those injured in this tragic collision.
Source: Hometown Station and Hometown Station