The Antelope Valley Times

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Double fatal traffic crash in Lancaster, witnesses sought

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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.

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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. 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. 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!

  3. 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…

    • 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. 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. 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. 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…

  7. 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.

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

  10. 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.

    • 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.

    • 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.

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

  13. 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. 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.

    • 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.

      • @ 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.

  16. 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. 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.”

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

  19. 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. 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. 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. 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.

    • 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.

      • 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. 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. 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.

    • 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!!!!!!!!!!

    • 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!

    • 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.

    • 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

  27. 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.

  30. 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. 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. 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 :(