Aristeo Cruz Jimenez, Marcos Cruz Alia Obituary, Death Cause – The California Highway Patrol (CHP) has confirmed the deaths of two people following a serious three-vehicle collision that occurred just outside Salinas on Thursday afternoon. Authorities officially identified the deceased victims on Friday as Aristeo Cruz Jimenez, a resident of Port Hueneme, and Marcos Cruz Alia, who lived in Salinas.
The fatal crash took place along Highway 183, just south of Cooper Road, at approximately 4:47 p.m. According to investigators, the chain of events began when a red sedan slowed and waited to make a left turn. While the vehicle was stopped, it was struck from behind by a gray GMC SUV, which forced the sedan into the path of an oncoming northbound semi-truck. The semi collided with the red sedan, resulting in devastating damage and multiple casualties.
The impact left two passengers dead at the scene, later identified as Jimenez and Alia. The 20-year-old driver of the sedan survived but sustained serious injuries and was rushed to a nearby hospital for emergency treatment. CHP has not yet released updates on his current condition.
Adding to the tragedy, authorities reported that the GMC driver fled the scene after the crash, leaving behind the wreckage and injured victims. Investigators quickly launched a search for the individual responsible. Later that evening, CHP located and identified the suspected driver as a 19-year-old woman from Salinas. Officials have not yet disclosed whether she is facing charges, though leaving the scene of a deadly crash could result in serious criminal consequences under California law.
The semi-truck driver remained on-site and cooperated with law enforcement as investigators pieced together the sequence of events. Officials said there was no indication that the truck driver bore responsibility for the incident, as the semi had the right of way when the sedan was pushed into its lane.
Highway 183 was temporarily closed in both directions following the collision, as emergency responders, investigators, and tow crews worked at the scene. The closure caused significant traffic delays in the area but was necessary to allow authorities to gather evidence and ensure public safety.
This crash has drawn attention within the Salinas community, as families mourn the sudden loss of their loved ones and residents grapple with the dangers of reckless or negligent driving. Both victims, Jimenez and Alia, are being remembered by friends and relatives who described them as hardworking individuals whose lives were cut tragically short.
CHP continues to investigate the exact circumstances surrounding the crash, including the speed of the GMC SUV, possible distraction, and why the driver initially fled. Officials are urging anyone with information or witnesses who may have seen the collision to come forward to assist in their investigation.
For now, the community is left grieving, as a charity run meant to preserve life and memory instead turned into a tragic reminder of how quickly lives can be lost on the road.
