Woman Dies In 15 Freeway Crash Near Wildomar Trail

WILDOMAR, CA — A 23-year-old Mission Hills woman was killed in a crash in Wildomar Saturday, the California Highway Patrol reported.

The crash was reported at around 12:40 a.m. Saturday on the southbound Temecula Valley (15) freeway just north of Wildomar Trail.

According to the CHP, the victim was driving a 2014 Hyundai Genesis at a high rate of speed southbound on I-15 when she rear-ended a Nissan Rogue. The Hyundai then came to a complete stop in the southbound No. 2 lane, where it was disabled.

A 2019 Nissan Armada was also traveling south on I-15 when it crashed into the Hyundai due to the darkness and lack of overhead lighting, according to the CHP.

The occupants of the Hyundai were not wearing seat belts, and were ejected from the car, coming to a rest in the center divider.

The 23-year-old woman was pronounced dead at the scene. Her identity was not immediately available. She was traveling with a 24-year-old passenger identified as Alicia Gonzalez of Vista, who suffered major injuries, according to officers.

The driver of the Nissan Armada suffered minor injuries and was identified as 47-year-old Nache Phillips of Aguanga.

No information was immediately available regarding the occupants of the Nissan Rogue involved in the initial crash.

The CHP and Cal Fire Riverside responded to the crash. The southbound traffic lanes were closed for approximately six hours while the scene was investigated and lanes were cleared.

Investigators believe the 23-year-old was driving under the influence of alcohol, according to the CHP.

Anyone with additional information about the accident was encouraged to contact the CHP at 951-506-2000.