After Murrieta Man Killed In 2-Vehicle Crash, 2nd Driver Dies

HEMET, CA — After a Murrieta driver was killed in a two-vehicle crash last week near Hemet, authorities announced over the weekend that the second motorist involved in the wreck also died.

Ethan Navarro, 20, of San Diego died Friday night at Moreno Valley's Riverside University Health System Medical Center after suffering serious injuries in the Oct. 25 crash, according to the Riverside County Sheriff-Coroner's Bureau.

The collision happened shortly after midnight near the intersection of Devonshire Avenue and Warren Road, just west of Hemet city limits, according to the Hemet Police Department.

Navarro was behind the wheel of a Nissan Pathfinder. The other involved vehicle was a Mitsubishi Lancer driven by Steve Montanez, 51, of Murrieta.

When Hemet Fire Department paramedics reached the location, they found Montanez fatally injured.

Navarro was extricated from the Pathfinder and transported to the trauma center in critical condition. He was pronounced dead at the hospital just before 9 p.m. Oct. 27.

Only the drivers occupied the two vehicles.

There was no word from authorities on what caused the crash.

North- and southbound lanes on Warren were shut down for hours as a result of the crash and ensuing preliminary investigation.

Hemet police turned the matter over to the California Highway Patrol after it was confirmed that the collision occurred in an unincorporated area, not within the city of Hemet's jurisdiction.