Submitted by California Highway Patrol
TEMECULA, Calif. – On April 26, 2025, at approximately 1:14 a.m., a 21-year-old male
from Lake Elsinore, CA, was driving a 2000 Ford Explorer eastbound on State Route 74
(Ortega Highway), just west of Grand Avenue, at an unknown speed. For reasons which are under investigation, the male driver allowed the Ford Explorer to veer to the right where the Ford left the roadway and crashed into a tree. The impact caused the Ford to overturn onto its roof. The 21-year-old male driver was not wearing a seat belt and was partially ejected out of the driver side window. The Ford rolled over onto the male driver, resulting in fatal injuries. Alcoholic beverage impairment is suspected.
The California Highway Patrol (CHP) Temecula Area is conducting this traffic collision
investigation. The CHP would like to remind the motoring public to always buckle up.
Seatbelts can save lives and prevent injuries. Remember to always designate a sober
driver.
