PALMDALE, Calif. — Authorities have identified the woman killed in a devastating head-on collision Friday evening in Palmdale as 31-year-old Chelsea Jewkes, according to the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s Office.
The fatal crash occurred around 5:15 p.m. at the intersection of 22nd Street West and Avenue N, leaving one dead, several others injured, and a community shaken by the tragedy.
Crash Details
According to the California Highway Patrol (CHP) Antelope Valley station, the collision involved a black Mercedes-Benz and a silver Lexus. When emergency personnel arrived, they found both vehicles severely mangled from the impact.
The Lexus, driven by Jewkes, came to rest on the southbound dirt shoulder of Avenue N. The Mercedes was left sideways in the middle of the roadway, its front end destroyed from the force of the crash.
Victims and Injuries
CHP officials confirmed that Jewkes was pronounced dead at the scene. Her passenger, whose identity has not yet been released, suffered critical injuries and was transported by ambulance to Antelope Valley Medical Center in Lancaster.
The crash also involved additional victims:
- An adult female from a previous crash connected to the fleeing Mercedes was taken to the hospital by private vehicle.
- A pregnant woman, whose vehicle was struck by flying debris, was evaluated at a local hospital after being left shaken and distraught.
Suspects Attempted to Flee Scene
In a disturbing twist, both the driver and passenger of the Mercedes fled the scene on foot immediately after the crash. They were apprehended by authorities only minutes later and transported to a nearby hospital with injuries. Their identities have not yet been released, and charges are pending.
According to CHP Sgt. Deonte Hall, the Mercedes was already fleeing from another crash on the freeway just before colliding with Jewkes’ Lexus. Witnesses reported the vehicle weaving dangerously in and out of traffic westbound on Avenue N before slamming head-on into the Lexus.
Community Response and Vigil Planned
The sudden and tragic loss of Chelsea Jewkes has left her family, friends, and the wider Palmdale community reeling. Known for her warm spirit and love for those close to her, Jewkes’ life was cut short in a senseless act of reckless driving.
A vigil is scheduled tonight to honor Chelsea’s memory, allowing loved ones and community members to gather, mourn, and remember her life.
Ongoing Investigation
The investigation into the crash is ongoing, with authorities working to piece together the timeline of events leading up to the fatal impact. CHP officials have not released further details but confirmed that criminal charges are expected against the driver of the Mercedes.
Anyone with information related to the crash is encouraged to contact the Antelope Valley CHP office.
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