UPDATE: Passenger in Fatal State Route 138 Crash Identified

PHELAN-(VVNG.com): Just after 5:30 a.m. on May 17th 24-year-old Crest Park Resident, Joshua Navarro was driving his 1997 Honda Civic eastbound on State Route 138 approaching Ranstall Road at an unknown rate of speed.

Francisco Mendoza Zaragoza, 58, of Phelan was driving his white Chevy Avalanche westbound on State Route 138 at approximately 45-50 miles per hour.

For reasons still under investigation, Navarro allowed his vehicle to veer onto the westbound lane of SR-22 into Zaragoza’s path of travel, causing a head on collision.

The passenger of the Honda Civic, 18-year-old Eliza Santibanez of Highland was riding in the front seat of the vehicle without a seat belt. Santibanez was ejected from the vehicle onto the roadway. Despite efforts to revive Santibanez, she was pronounced deceased at the scene.

Navarro and Zaragoza were transported to Arrowhead Regional Medical Center with major non-life-threatening injuries. Two passengers of the Chevy Avalanche were transported to Loma Linda University for treatment of minor injuries.

Mr. Navarro was arrested for suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol causing bodily injury or death. The collision is still under investigation.

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