Authorities have identified six people who died over the past week from injuries sustained in separate traffic accidents across San Diego County. The fatalities occurred in crashes that took place in different parts of the region, with some victims passing away days or even months after their collisions.
According to the San Diego County Medical Examiner’s Office, the cases involve crashes in Old Town, National City, Carlsbad, El Cajon and along Interstate 5.
Latest Fatal Crash
The most recent fatality occurred shortly before 2:30 a.m. on Saturday in Old Town.
Authorities said 21-year-old Nicolas Henderson was involved in a solo vehicle crash while traveling northbound on Interstate 5, just south of Interstate 8.
Henderson was pronounced dead at the scene.
National City Collision
On Friday, the Medical Examiner’s Office reported the death of Aaron Cardenas, 20, of San Ysidro.
Cardenas had been seriously injured in a two-vehicle crash on April 2 while traveling northbound on Interstate 5, south of Mile of Cars Way in National City.
He was treated at UC San Diego Medical Center and was pronounced dead on Friday evening after remaining hospitalized for several months.
Carlsbad Crash
Also on Friday, 86-year-old Jerry Richards of Oceanside suffered critical injuries in a collision at the intersection of Carlsbad Village Drive and Glasgow Drive in Carlsbad.
Paramedics transported Richards to Scripps Memorial Hospital La Jolla, where he was pronounced dead later that evening.
El Cajon Accident
Authorities said 70-year-old Nabeel Qiryaqos of Santee was seriously injured in a solo vehicle crash shortly before 8:30 p.m. last Wednesday on East Chase Avenue in El Cajon.
He was taken to Sharp Grossmont Hospital in La Mesa, where he died about an hour after the crash.
Earlier Collision
The Medical Examiner’s Office also identified Steven Valliere, 46, of San Diego as another recent traffic fatality.
According to investigators, Valliere suffered critical injuries when two vehicles collided at Fletcher Parkway and Village Parkway in El Cajon at approximately 10:30 a.m. on July 20.
He died nine days later at Sharp Memorial Hospital.
Interstate 5 Crash
Authorities also identified 18-year-old Julianna Yoon of Irvine as one of the victims.
Yoon was injured in a traffic collision on the afternoon of July 25 while traveling on southbound Interstate 5 near the Aliso Creek Rest Area in northern San Diego County.
She was transported to Scripps Memorial Hospital La Jolla and was pronounced dead four days after the crash.
Victims Identified
| Victim | Age | Residence | Crash Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nicolas Henderson | 21 | Not released | I-5 near I-8, Old Town |
| Aaron Cardenas | 20 | San Ysidro | I-5 near Mile of Cars Way, National City |
| Jerry Richards | 86 | Oceanside | Carlsbad Village Drive and Glasgow Drive |
| Nabeel Qiryaqos | 70 | Santee | East Chase Avenue, El Cajon |
| Steven Valliere | 46 | San Diego | Fletcher Parkway and Village Parkway, El Cajon |
| Julianna Yoon | 18 | Irvine | I-5 near Aliso Creek Rest Area |
Investigation
The San Diego County Medical Examiner’s Office released the identities of the six individuals after notifying their families.
The circumstances surrounding each crash continue to be investigated by the appropriate law enforcement agencies. Authorities have not released additional details regarding the causes of the collisions.
FAQs
How many victims were identified?
Six people were identified by authorities.
Where did the latest fatal crash occur?
On Interstate 5 in the Old Town area.
Who was the youngest victim?
Julianna Yoon, 18, of Irvine.
Which agency released the identities?
The San Diego County Medical Examiner’s Office.
Are the crashes still under investigation?
Yes, authorities continue to investigate each case.
