Abel Quintero, a 25-year-old resident of Lake Elsinore, lost his life in a tragic freeway collision early Sunday morning on the westbound side of State Route 91 in Corona, California.
Authorities confirmed his death following a multi-vehicle crash that involved a wrong-way driver and several other vehicles on the busy freeway corridor.
According to information released by the Riverside County Sheriff’s Coroner’s Office and the California Highway Patrol, the incident occurred around 5:35 a.m. on April 19, 2026.
Quintero sustained fatal injuries at the scene. Emergency personnel responded quickly, but he was pronounced deceased shortly after the crash. His next of kin were notified by officials.
The crash took place near the Green River Road off-ramp, where a vehicle believed to be a black Ford F-150 pickup truck was reportedly traveling eastbound in the westbound lanes of traffic.
CHP investigators stated that the wrong-way vehicle was moving slowly before it collided with multiple vehicles traveling in the correct direction. The initial impact set off a chain reaction involving at least five vehicles, including a commercial big rig.
The collision forced the immediate closure of all westbound lanes of the freeway. Traffic was halted just minutes after the crash was reported, and a SigAlert was issued shortly afterward. The closure lasted for approximately two hours as emergency crews worked at the scene, cleared wreckage, and began their investigation into the cause of the crash.
Emergency Response and Ongoing Investigation
Officials reported that one additional person, the driver of the big rig involved in the crash, suffered minor injuries and was transported to Corona Regional Medical Center for treatment.
No other major injuries were immediately reported among the remaining drivers involved in the collision.
The California Highway Patrol’s Riverside office has taken the lead in investigating the circumstances surrounding the crash.
At this stage, authorities have not confirmed why the wrong-way driver entered the freeway or what factors may have contributed to the incident.
Investigators are reviewing evidence from the scene, including vehicle positions, roadway conditions, and possible witness statements, to determine how the crash unfolded.
A representative from the coroner’s office arrived at the scene shortly after 6 a.m. to assist with the recovery and identification process.
Officials confirmed that Quintero’s death occurred at approximately 5:55 a.m., shortly after the initial impact.
The identity of the wrong-way driver has not been publicly released, and authorities have not yet stated whether drugs, alcohol, or medical issues played a role. The investigation remains active, and officials have indicated that more details will be shared once available.
The fatal crash has added to ongoing concerns about wrong-way driving incidents on Southern California freeways, which often result in severe or deadly collisions due to the high speeds and limited reaction time involved.
For now, the focus remains on the investigation and the family of Abel Quintero, who are mourning the sudden and unexpected loss of their loved one.
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