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Double fatal traffic crash in Lancaster, witnesses sought

by The AV Times Staff • December 6, 2014

A westbound Toyota Prius crossed into the eastbound lanes of Avenue K and collided head-on with a Honda CRV, authorities said. (Photo by LUIS MEZA)
A westbound Toyota Prius crossed into the eastbound lanes of Avenue K and collided head-on with a Honda CRV, authorities said. (Photo by LUIS MEZA)

LANCASTER – Two drivers were killed in a head-on collision Friday night in Lancaster, authorities said.

The fatal traffic crash happened around 7:58 p.m. on Avenue K, near 90th Street East, according to Sgt. David Jennings of the Lancaster Sheriff’s Station.

“Preliminary information gathered at the scene indicates the driver of a white 2012 Toyota Prius was traveling west on Avenue K, and the driver of a red Honda CRV was traveling east on Avenue K,” Jennings stated. “Based upon physical evidence of the collision scene, it appears the driver of the Toyota crossed into the eastbound lanes of Avenue K and collided head-on with the Honda.”

Both male drivers were killed upon impact. Their names have not yet been released pending next of kin notification. (LUIS MEZA)
Both male drivers were killed upon impact. Their names have not yet been released pending next of kin notification. (LUIS MEZA)

Both male drivers were killed upon impact, Jennings said, and no passengers were in either vehicle.

Detectives have not yet located any witnesses.

Investigators are appealing to the public for information. Anyone who witnessed this collision is encouraged to contact Lancaster Sheriff’s Station detectives at 661-948-8466.

–

UPDATE: The drivers have been identified as 51-year-old Victor Valdivia of Lancaster and 27-year-old Kevin Garcia-Peraza of Lancaster, according to the Los Angeles County Coroner’s Office.

Filed Under: Crime/ Safety, Lancaster

52 comments for "Double fatal traffic crash in Lancaster, witnesses sought"

  1. Ken says

    March 5, 2015 at 11:14 pm

    I knew Victor for many years before he moved up to AV. I’m really struck by the fact that both of these men were loving, gentle, kind, helpful, spiritual souls who loved animals. They would have liked each other on earth. The “accident” brought these two angels together and released them. I will miss Victor’s humor, his enormous smile, and his ever positive view of the world and humanity. 444 my friend.

  2. Sargent says

    January 23, 2015 at 10:31 pm

    to all the IGNORANT people that have commented on this article, I want you to know you have [removed] kids or Loved ones also… You should not judge based on what you hear or assume, judge your own life and open your eyes and realize that we all are not perfect, and if you think perfect than you can go to [removed] yourself and have your own little stupid life with your own little stupid thoughts. that is all. p.s- [removed] you!

    • big man says

      February 14, 2015 at 1:16 am

      Sounds like little man syndrome

  3. Kevin mother says

    January 4, 2015 at 11:07 am

    I am proud to have kevin in my life. He taught me how to live happy and healthy he like to see me smile and happy every moment every second kevin was a beautiful person inside and outside doesn’t matter how big and strong he look he was like a baby most of the time i call him my baby boy, because kevin is my wonderful son I always say i thank god for dis blessing in my life but i cant understand why i cant see him, why i cant listen to him or touch him, I would give my life for this not happen. And i am so sorry for the other person who passed away, especially his room mate, I feel your pain and I am sorry for your loss. I don’t have words for all the people who have understood my pain and who have stayed in the last moments to say goodbye to my son. My son was the perfect human in my life. I love my son forever and ever…

    • Dwayne says

      January 5, 2015 at 4:46 pm

      Victor was my best friend and roommate for 28 years. He was the nice one of us and cared for all people. His dogs (our kids) still look for him to come home but together we are grievIng as my heart is saddened by the loss for us all and whatever the circumstances of the accident my heart also goes out to Kevin’s family for their loss.

      My heart aches for Kevin’s mom. I hope you realize I share your pain as I drive by the intersection every day to town to work, shop or go to church thinking of how our lives and many more changed that night. They both seemed to be here to make others smile and others lives better and the hole they left in our lives will never truly be filled. Lease know I stop many times not only to pray for victor and his family but for your family as well. We dont always understand God’s plans but have to trust he will be with us as we heal.

  4. ana says

    January 3, 2015 at 8:50 am

    Kevin will live forever in my heart because he doing exercise, he practiced yoga, he was a very loving and caring human being. He loved helping others. He worked hard to take care of his horses, his dog Goliath, his sisters, his mother and his friends. He was able to help any time and every day I think to myself and i am thankful to have had Kevin in my life. I say thanks God for the wonderful heart of Kevin Garcia. My condolences for Kevins family and Victor Valdivia roommate because you were his only family. The only explanation in order to understand this loss and tragedy is that God wanted these two angels back with him.

  5. xenia salinas says

    December 21, 2014 at 7:14 pm

    I personal think that,people in the antellope valley drives very rude,I drive for a living,and I see everyday how people donot make complety stops,pass the red ligths,don’t obey the school bus and ligths,they see pedestrian has the rigth of way,and you have to wait untill they are on the other side of the street,but they still pushing the gas behind the people.its sad that 2 people lost there lives,may their souls rest in peace,they now are with our heavenly father.but people slow down,your love ones are watting for you to came home.have a safe holidays may god bless you all.

  6. Bernard says

    December 14, 2014 at 12:11 pm

    I did drive up to the accident around 8:20pm and directed traffic it looked to me as though Kevin might have fell asleep. The direction of the car placement proves so…. By me moving here to antelope alley I have noticed it is very easy to fall asleep driving when your driving home because of the lack of light and the long streets . The reason Ithink this hypothesis is true is because I have cought multiple people falling asleep while driving these streets such as friends family etc. the only thing we can do is spread the message to get more rest before leaving down below… Things begin to look the same as if you never went anywhere. How ever that is no reason for the life’s of these young men to be taken I hope and pray the family’s of these guys are ok I stopped by Kevin’s sign the other day me being an EMT and me not being able to do anything by the time I got there really effected me and even though I didn’t know them I will make sure they are not forgotten…

    • Bernard says

      December 14, 2014 at 12:12 pm

      My prayers go out to the family’s

  7. caroline king says

    December 11, 2014 at 6:15 am

    90th East and Ave K is a 4 way stop. perhaps one wasn’t paying attention and ran the stop sign. the lighting out there is poor also. if one is NOT familiar with the area could possible run the stop sign. Yes, people drive way to fast out in this area.

    • john says

      December 11, 2014 at 8:17 am

      They are giving you an idea of the where abouts. Not literally k and 90th precisely. Relax with your cap locks and cherish your family.

  8. Anon says

    December 9, 2014 at 1:27 pm

    I saw all the sirens for this accident :( so sad for the losses :'(had to take a different was home street was closed

  9. Nancy P says

    December 8, 2014 at 10:42 pm

    Isn’t this the same time the Arrest Logs disappeared last year?

  10. Luz says

    December 8, 2014 at 8:32 pm

    The gentleman in the Red Honda CRV – Victor was well known to many in Palmdale. If you ever went into Joanne’s Fabric in Palmdale – Victor always was attentive, friendly and had a smile to share. He will be missed by many. I don’t know Kevin, but a young life gone, as well. Speculating on the cause does not change the outcome. Just keep their family and friends in prayer. Peace and comfort to those mourning and filled with pain.

    • J. Castillo says

      December 10, 2014 at 9:09 am

      I knew Kevin as a co-worker, he was a fine young man, I felt so bad what happened to him and also what happened to the other gentleman. Two families are in mourning let’s elevate our prayers and ask for resignation to the families and the souls of the departed to rest in peace.

    • Audrey says

      December 14, 2014 at 10:19 am

      Victor was a kind and generous man. Anyone who knew him can attest to that, and also by how many gold customer service pins he had. He will be missed. What a tragedy for both families.

    • Dwayne says

      December 17, 2014 at 10:54 am

      Victor was my best friend and roommate for 28 years. He was the nice one of us and cared for all people. His dogs (our kids) still look for him to come home but together we are grievIng as my heart is saddened by the loss for us all and whatever the circumstances of the accident my heart also goes out to Kevin’s family for their loss.

  11. REGO says

    December 8, 2014 at 6:59 pm

    Fatalope Valley
    What’s that the 7th+ in less than three weeks
    Person ejected on Ave I today at 40th East

  12. callitasitis says

    December 8, 2014 at 3:40 pm

    http://www.distraction.gov/content/get-the-facts/research.html

    FYI if you really want to look it up.

  13. Steve says

    December 8, 2014 at 3:35 pm

    I know one of the drivers and I feel for his family and the other drivers.
    Let’s just make sure we tell our love ones to be safe make wise choices and that we love and care for them.

  14. callitasitis says

    December 8, 2014 at 10:24 am

    FRUSTRATION
    Yes, this tragedy could have been prevented which is VERY sad for both families. The reason is someone did not obey the rules of the road. If the driver who crossed over had a medical issue likes stroke/ heart attack then that MAY explain what happen (this is really rare). But I read article years ago that most drivers would drift to the right based on traffic accident stats also based on the type road traveled. The number of collision/death caused by inattentive driver using a cellphone (whether by talking or texting has increased and been fatal) has gone up. No one wanted to die because of someone CARELESSNESS. If you need to use a cellphone while driving beware that call may be your last one. 7 years for vehicle manslaughter is a long time and death is much longer.

    • bird says

      December 8, 2014 at 4:48 pm

      callitasitis—Well the Toyota drifted toward the left this time, and nowhere in the article does it say the accident was caused because of cell phone use. Waiting for the facts is better than assuming.

      • callitasitis says

        December 9, 2014 at 2:34 pm

        @ Bird
        Yes let us see what the facts are, but if it NOT a DUI/ cellphone use or some other type distracted activity then it will most likely will be a violation of the rules of the road (traffic law) like example illegal passing.

        • Greg says

          December 9, 2014 at 3:54 pm

          Or a deep yawn.
          Deep yawns sometimes cause the eyes to close and the arms to tighten.

  15. Barbara says

    December 8, 2014 at 7:24 am

    To the families of the men who died, I’m so sorry for your loss. I am praying for you.

  16. nicolle says

    December 8, 2014 at 2:58 am

    It’s sad my heart goes out to there family in such a time like this and I believe sleepiness probably was a factor in this hurtful situation God bless they family

  17. av says

    December 7, 2014 at 10:09 pm

    how do they know what time this accident happened if there are no witnesses? “The fatal traffic crash happened around 7:58 p.m. Detectives have not yet located any witnesses.”

    • Greg says

      December 8, 2014 at 8:48 am

      Around…. not ‘it happened at precisely…’

      They are making an educated guess based on comments from the public, patrols through the area, maybe some electronic data (like cell records/locations).

  18. Just Saying says

    December 7, 2014 at 1:28 pm

    The update announced the names and ages of the drivers, but does anyone know which cars they were in?

    • Deric says

      December 8, 2014 at 6:31 pm

      Kevin Garcia was in the white car and the other man in the red.

    • Dwayne says

      December 17, 2014 at 10:59 am

      Victor was in the red Honda a d Kevin in the Toyota

  19. ania says

    December 7, 2014 at 10:55 am

    It is so sad to see losing of life in any accident, but high way patrol do need to have speed checks out there, I drive that way with a van full of girls traveling to games and I have had people drive up behind me and try to get me to go faster and I refuse, so they speed around me with no regards for the lives I’m carrying. Something needs to be done about these drivers…

  20. andrea says

    December 7, 2014 at 10:19 am

    Or fatigue… People in the av get a lot less sleep driving down below, and are always trying to get more done with less. Any way you look at it, the world was deprived of the presence, the talents, the knowledge of two individuals long before their time should have been. Hope everyone involved finds peace and can make sense of it.

  21. Tom says

    December 7, 2014 at 9:26 am

    People love to rush to judgement, I have lived in Lake La for over 30 years and have seen accidents like this one numerous times, everyone loves to blame cell phone use, believe me the cell phone records of both victims was the first thing checked by law enforcement. Chances are someone could have fallen asleep at the wheel you put into play the time of the accident, the fact that there is nothing too see in that area to keep one up who is sleepy, and a warm vehicle, all will make a tired driver very unsafe.

  22. Anthony says

    December 6, 2014 at 9:25 pm

    This is terrible I feel bad for the families I just don’t understand why they are seeking witnesses if they both died.… one more theory is its possible that the Prius may have been trying to pass another vehicle and either the car didn’t want to be passed and sped up causing the accident or they misjudged the time they had to pass. I’ve seen idiotic drivers do the speed up thing maliciously before.

    • john says

      December 7, 2014 at 1:55 pm

      The Toyota had just came to a complete stop..distance is 700ft from stop. Try getting a prius over 35mph within 4.5seconds. Please keep your theories to yourself, whats done is done. Just pray for their souls.

      • Just Saying says

        December 10, 2014 at 11:49 am

        I agree that passing was unlikely 700 ft from a stop sign. But the claim that the Prius came to a complete stop is suspect when no witness saw it, and the force of impact suggests higher speeds occurred. No alcohol was mentioned, so a missed stop followed by a drift left is more likely what happened, caused by a sleep or medical issue rather then distracted driving.

  23. Faithful says

    December 6, 2014 at 2:36 pm

    Sometimes there are sudden medical issues that people don’t have any control over that lead to something like this. Sad that some quickly jump to conclusions that someone was on the phone or texting. Are you psychic? If so why weren’t you out there ahead of time to stop it from happening? – Sheesh – At least wait till it’s determined before you start accusing.
    Prayers going out for both families for strength and comfort…..

  24. Sad says

    December 6, 2014 at 1:34 pm

    Too many reckless drivers…too many deaths…PLEASE slow down and OBEY all Laws of the Road from Stopping and Yielding to not Talking or Texting on your phones and absolutely NO Drinking and Driving…Life is too Precious and Short as it is…My condolences to the innocent victims of such a terrible accident especially during this Holiday Season.

  25. willie bean says

    December 6, 2014 at 1:19 pm

    That’s what texting or talking on the phone get you
    Stay the hell off the phone while d.

    • jennifer says

      December 6, 2014 at 2:30 pm

      How do you know texting or being on the phone is what caused this? Were you there? Did yo witness it? Do you have first hand knowledge this is what happened? Maybe one of the drivers had a heart attack or siezure? So glad you are the judge and jury!!!!!!!!!!

    • sb says

      December 6, 2014 at 3:17 pm

      WOW you need to shut up and have some respect to those of us who may know the people int hat crash. They have family and friends that do not need to read BS about how or why they died!

    • john says

      December 6, 2014 at 3:39 pm

      If he did it didn’t do any of the above, it’s a shame that some people don’t have the decent sane mind to keep hurtful words that will make the family cry to themselves.

    • Eileen says

      December 7, 2014 at 10:39 am

      You show know sympathy at all for the victims and family..One of the victim is a close friend of my grandson..may both men RIP..You now walk the heavens with our Lord..You need to keep yiour comment to yourself…How do you know the accident is a result of texting or talking on the cell phone..No evidence has been presented yet…Kind words to both families would be appreciated

  26. Diana says

    December 6, 2014 at 1:11 pm

    Way too many car accidents in the antelope valley

  27. AV1990 says

    December 6, 2014 at 12:23 pm

    They need to lower the speed limits out there, maximum speed limit should be 45 mph, alot of people drive too fast out there. And I dont know why they drive faster than the posted speed limit. on the freeway in the rain people were still going 70+ mph in the rain. This is dangerous, seen like 5 accidents on the freeway that day and all of them on the 14 freeway. They should just bring back the the red light cameras, yeah they suck, but obviously it keeps peoe driving more cautiously and safely out there.

  28. kimberly says

    December 6, 2014 at 9:29 am

    So sad. My condolences to the families. praying for them. May they rest in peace

  29. Mark says

    December 6, 2014 at 7:56 am

    Highway Patrol needs to step up their game and cite more bad drivers in the AV

  30. Mhhhhm says

    December 6, 2014 at 4:15 am

    such a shame! 2 fatal car accidents in 2 days AGAIN in the Av! This has been a very deadly year on our roadways! I grew up in lake la,and if I had a dollar for everytime I had to drive into the dirt shoulder to avoid getting hit by someone passing in my lane! Very sad my condolences to the family! Drive safe my friends!

  31. John says

    December 6, 2014 at 3:33 am

    Remember if the gang violence doesn’t kill you, just driving around the good old AV will. The AV, what a great place to live.

  32. darcie says

    December 6, 2014 at 1:20 am

    Too many crashes in av lately. So sad for who have lost their lives in this. So sad for the families it breaks my heart to see this :(

  33. dennis says

    December 6, 2014 at 12:45 am

    Im sorry for the two males may your famiky have strength r.i.p

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