Temecula resident Nereida “Nery” Benitez is being remembered for her compassion and selflessness. She died Thursday, June 11, 2026, after stopping to help others at the scene of a major traffic collision on Interstate 15. She was 40.
Benitez was one of two people killed in a multi-vehicle crash that occurred shortly after 4 a.m. on northbound Interstate 15 near state Route 76 in northern San Diego County.
Born Aug. 20, 1985, in Texas, Benitez later made her home in Temecula, where friends and family say she was known for her generosity, kindness and willingness to help anyone in need. Benitez was an emergency room nurse at Sharp Grossmont Hospital. She was married to former Marine Emilio Hernandez.
“A Texas native who moved to San Diego to become a nurse in 2020, she most recently worked in the ER at Sharp Memorial Hospital and had just been accepted into the Air Force as a second lieutenant, scheduled to start in September,” according to a report from CBS 8.
She was coming home from her shift at the hospital, according to published reports, when she stopped to assist after a two-vehicle crash. She and another good Samaritan, Marine Veteran Chad Tillman of Fallbrook, were assisting when a third vehicle crashed into the scene, killing both Tillman and Benitez.
According to the California Highway Patrol, four others were transported to area hospitals, including one person with moderate injuries and three with minor injuries, according to North County Fire Protection District spokesperson John Choi.
Authorities said the crash was reported at approximately 4:09 a.m. Initial reports indicated a gray SUV struck the center divider and another vehicle spun out. A semi-truck had pulled onto the right shoulder as emergency conditions unfolded on the freeway.
The crash shut down northbound lanes of Interstate 15 for several hours, causing major traffic delays extending into Riverside County. A SigAlert was issued as emergency crews worked the scene and investigators documented evidence. Lanes gradually reopened beginning around 7:35 a.m.
Those who knew Benitez described her as a devoted family member and friend whose instinct was always to help others.
Her death has left family, friends and the Temecula community mourning a life marked by compassion and service to others.
