Victorville teen killed after crashing into tree on I-15 near Temecula identified

VICTORVILLE, Calif. (VVNG.com) — Instead of planning a 20th birthday party celebration for a local Victorville teen, his family is now faced with planning his funeral after he died in a crash on the I-15 freeway.

Family of the young man identified him as Ruben Velasco Gabaldon, 19, a resident of Victorville.

The deadly crash happened on the northbound I-15, just north of state Route 76 and Pala Mesa Drive, at about 12:40 pm on Sunday, in Fallbrook, according to the California Highway Patrol.

CHP officials said Gabaldon and his passenger were in a 2000 white Mercury Sable traveling in the no. 1 lane in free-flowing traffic when he suddenly veered to the right and lost control of the vehicle causing him to leave the roadway.

The vehicle struck a tree on the right shoulder causing Gabaldon to suffer fatal injuries.

The single-vehicle crash prompted officials to shut down all lanes of traffic while a Mercy Air helicopter landed on the freeway. The surviving passenger, a 23-year-old male from Victorville was airlifted to Palomar Hospital with moderate injuries.

According to a Gofundme account started by Cesar T. Gabaldon to help with funeral donations, Ruben was planning on celebrating his 20th birthday this Sunday. “Our little brother was a college student working a part-time job, he was so excited to own his first car, he was always positive, funny and full of energy.  We are distraught and very heart broken,” stated the account.

Donations can be made via the following link: Ruben Velasco Gabaldon Gofundme.