Authorities have identified two victims of a fatal two-vehicle crash in Valinda that claimed three lives earlier this week. The Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner confirmed the deceased as Carlos Cardona Acosta, 23, and Jossue de Leon Villegas, 21. Both were pronounced dead at the scene of the crash, which occurred Tuesday night.
The collision took place around 10:45 p.m. at the intersection of Temple and North Azusa avenues. According to the California Highway Patrol (CHP), the crash involved a Jeep, allegedly driven by an impaired driver, and a Nissan Versa. While Acosta and Villegas died on impact, a third victim, whose identity has not yet been released, succumbed to injuries at a hospital.
Footage captured by KeyNews.TV showed the aftermath of the crash, with the Jeep overturned on its side and the heavily damaged Nissan Versa covered with a tarp. Law enforcement officers were seen taking a woman into custody at the scene.
The suspect, identified as 24-year-old Yasmin Flores Magana of La Puente, was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence (DUI) and vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated. Authorities allege Magana’s impaired driving caused the deadly collision.
This tragedy has left the community in shock and mourning, as friends and family of the victims grapple with their sudden loss. Local residents have expressed frustration over impaired driving incidents, emphasizing the preventability of such tragedies.
The incident remains under active investigation by the CHP. Officials are working to gather additional evidence to piece together the events leading to the crash. Authorities are also urging witnesses to come forward to assist in the investigation.
This devastating crash serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of impaired driving. Community members and law enforcement alike hope that this tragedy will prompt greater awareness about the risks of driving under the influence and inspire preventative measures to avoid similar incidents in the future.