Crime & Safety
School Principal, Redlands Woman Killed In I-10 Crash
The driver of a white Ford F-150 truck was heading west on the freeway and, for unknown reasons, crossed the center divider.
RIALTO, CA — The principal of Baldwin Park High School was among those killed last week when a truck crossed the center median on Interstate 10 in Rialto and caused a multi-vehicle crash.
Eric D. Lopez, 55, of Grand Terrace died at the crash scene. He had led the school for three years.
Baldwin Park Unified School District Superintendent Dr. Froilan Mendoza confirmed the death on the district's website.
Find out what's happening in Banning-Beaumontfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
"It is with deep sadness and heavy hearts that we inform you of the loss of our colleague and friend, Baldwin Park High School Principal, Eric D. Lopez, who passed away unexpectedly, Friday, January 17, 2025," Mendoza wrote Monday. "Mr. Lopez was an amazing leader and the positive impact he made on the District, students, staff, and families is beyond measure. We will all miss him more than words can express as he was not just our colleague, but also a dear friend."
Former Baldwin Park Unified School District board member Christina Lucero wrote in a Facebook post, "I lost a man that I deeply admired and enjoyed working with. He was an extraordinary man, an inspiring principal, a calming influence, and a friend. He will be profoundly missed by many."
Find out what's happening in Banning-Beaumontfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
A memorial for Lopez is scheduled for 6 p.m. Jan. 24 at Baldwin Park High School, 3900 N. Puente Ave., Baldwin Park.
A 40-year-old Redlands woman identified as Faith C. Manigos was also killed in the crash.
The incident was reported at 6:11 p.m. Friday, west of Rancho Avenue. According to the California Highway Patrol, the driver of a white Ford F-150 truck was heading west on the freeway and, for unknown reasons, crossed the center divider and went into eastbound lanes.
Manigos was driving a Scion XD; Lopez was behind the wheel of a Tesla Model 3.
The CHP reported that two other vehicles were also involved in the crash: a silver Toyota Echo and a white Ford Explorer.
An update on additional injuries was not available. No arrests were immediately announced.
"The exact cause of the crash remains under investigation," the CHP reported.
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.
