An emergency room nurse at Sharp Memorial Hospital is being remembered as a dedicated caregiver and a selfless presence after she was killed last week while stopping to help at the scene of a crash on Interstate 15.
Nereida Benitez, known to friends and colleagues as “Nedi,” died early Thursday morning alongside another good Samaritan while assisting victims of a collision near State Route 76.
Incident
According to the California Highway Patrol, the incident occurred just after 4 a.m. A Toyota minivan was rear-ended by a Honda CR-V driven by a 21-year-old man, sending the Honda into the median.
Benitez, who had just finished an overnight shift and was driving home to Temecula, pulled over to help. Another motorist, 54-year-old Marine veteran Chad Tillman, also stopped to assist.
While both were on the driver’s side of the Honda CR-V, a third vehicle struck the disabled SUV, hitting both Benitez and Tillman. CHP officials said both were pronounced dead at the scene.
The driver involved in the initial collision, identified as Jake Lopez Lawrence, was booked on suspicion of felony DUI and gross vehicular manslaughter. He remains in custody at the Vista Detention Facility and is scheduled to be arraigned Thursday.
Career
Benitez began her nursing career during the COVID-19 pandemic, starting at Sharp Grossmont Hospital where she worked in COVID units for two years. She later transitioned into emergency room nursing at Sharp Memorial Hospital.
Colleagues say she quickly became a valued member of the ER team.
Tribute
Tania Jones, Benitez’s nursing manager and close friend, said the loss remains difficult to process nearly a week later.
She described Benitez as someone whose warmth was evident even behind a mask, noting her constant positivity and strong sense of empathy toward patients and coworkers.
Jones shared that Benitez had recently reached a major milestone in her career. Just weeks before her death, she learned she had secured enlistment in the Air Force, putting her on track to pursue her longtime goal of becoming a flight nurse.
Legacy
Jones said Benitez, who was a wife and mother, was deeply committed to her family and to helping others, making it unsurprising that she stopped to help on the highway that morning.
She added that Benitez’s compassion and willingness to act in moments of need reflect how she hopes her colleague will be remembered.
Services
A visitation for Benitez is scheduled for June 18 at Miller Jones Mortuary in Murrieta, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
CHP officials continue to investigate the crash and reiterated the dangers of stopping on active freeways, while acknowledging the courage of those who step in to help during emergencies.
FAQs
Who was Nereida Benitez?
An emergency room nurse at Sharp Memorial Hospital.
Where did the crash happen?
On I-15 near State Route 76.
Who else was killed?
Marine veteran Chad Tillman.
What charges were filed?
Felony DUI and vehicular manslaughter.
When is the visitation?
June 18, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
