Jose Cordova Aldana Obituary, Death – Authorities have identified the man who lost his life in a multi-vehicle crash that occurred in Commerce earlier this week. The Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner confirmed the victim as 52-year-old Jose Cordova Aldana.
According to a report from the California Highway Patrol (CHP), the incident took place around 12:55 p.m. on Wednesday along the southbound lanes of the Santa Ana (5) Freeway, near Washington Boulevard. Multiple vehicles were involved in the crash, prompting a large emergency response.
When first responders arrived, they found several vehicles that had sustained significant damage. Paramedics from the Los Angeles County Fire Department assessed those at the scene and confirmed that Aldana had unfortunately not survived his injuries.
The cause of the crash remains under investigation, and authorities are still working to determine the series of events that led up to the collision. CHP officers have not released any specific information about how many vehicles were involved or what might have contributed to the incident, such as speed, weather, or road conditions.
Officials noted that one vehicle may have overturned during the crash, but that detail has not yet been officially verified. Traffic along the busy freeway quickly backed up as emergency crews and investigators worked the scene.
Following the collision, all southbound lanes of the 5 Freeway were temporarily closed as first responders secured the area and provided aid to those involved. The CHP issued a SigAlert, warning drivers of extended delays and urging motorists to avoid the area if possible.
As crews cleared the wreckage and conducted their investigation, three of the five lanes were reopened later in the afternoon to help ease congestion. However, traffic remained slow-moving for several hours as the SigAlert stayed active.
By 4:50 p.m. Wednesday, the CHP officially lifted the SigAlert, announcing that all lanes had been reopened and normal traffic flow was gradually being restored. Despite the reopening, residual delays persisted into the early evening due to the heavy traffic volume on the freeway at that time of day.
The tragic incident has left friends, family, and members of the community mourning the loss of Aldana. Authorities have not yet released additional details about him or whether any other individuals were seriously injured during the crash.
The California Highway Patrol continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the collision. As part of standard procedure, officers are examining vehicle positions, road conditions, and witness statements to reconstruct the sequence of events. It has not yet been determined whether impairment, distraction, or mechanical failure played any role in the crash.
Motorists who were traveling along the freeway at the time or who may have dashcam footage are encouraged to contact the CHP Central Los Angeles Area Office to assist with the ongoing investigation.
The Los Angeles County Fire Department and other emergency responders were praised for their quick response, which helped prevent further incidents on the busy freeway during the closure.
Authorities also reminded the public to remain cautious on the roads, especially in high-traffic areas like the 5 Freeway, where conditions can change rapidly. They emphasized the importance of maintaining safe speeds, avoiding distractions, and allowing extra space between vehicles to help prevent future tragedies.
This incident serves as a somber reminder of how quickly a moment on the road can turn tragic. As investigators continue their work, the community extends its condolences to the family and loved ones of Jose Cordova Aldana, whose life was lost in the heartbreaking crash.
Anyone with further information about the incident is asked to contact the California Highway Patrol as the investigation remains ongoing.
