Robert Matiran Obituary, Death – A tragic crash claimed the life of a 56-year-old Corona man on the night of Monday, July 14, 2025, along Interstate 15 near Hodge Road in San Bernardino County. The incident, which was captured on graphic video footage, occurred at approximately 9:10 p.m. on the southbound side of the freeway.
The victim, identified as Robert Matiran, was behind the wheel of a 2023 Honda Civic. For reasons that remain under investigation, Matiran’s vehicle came to a stop in the #3 lane of active traffic. His car became a hazard as multiple vehicles and large trucks narrowly avoided hitting it.
A freelance videographer, known as a news stringer, happened upon the scene and pulled over to the shoulder of the road. He used a spotlight mounted on his vehicle to illuminate the stalled Civic and began recording the unfolding situation. The footage captured shows several close calls before disaster struck.
Moments later, a 2023 Volvo big rig, driven by a 47-year-old man from Washington, Pennsylvania, collided directly into the rear of the Civic. The California Highway Patrol (CHP) Barstow Area Office reported that the impact forced both the Civic and the semi-truck across all southbound lanes and into the center median that divides the freeway.
Emergency responders arrived quickly and attempted to administer lifesaving aid to Matiran. Sadly, he was pronounced dead at the scene. The truck driver was unharmed in the collision.
Captain Erich Meeker of the CHP Barstow Area Office issued a public statement expressing sympathy for those affected by the incident. “On behalf of the California Highway Patrol, I offer my sincere condolences to the families affected,” he said. He added that the investigation aims to uncover the cause of the crash and to help prevent similar tragedies in the future.
Captain Meeker also took the opportunity to remind drivers of safety precautions. “The California Highway Patrol urges all motorists who need to stop to exit the freeway or pull over at the safest place available and activate the vehicle’s hazard lights,” he said.
As of now, it is still unknown whether drugs or alcohol played any role in the crash. Officer D. Alvarez from the CHP Barstow Area Office is leading the investigation. Authorities are encouraging anyone with information about the incident to come forward and contact their office at (760) 255-5900.
The video footage, while informative, has been flagged for its graphic content. Viewers are strongly advised to exercise discretion, as the recording shows the moment of impact during the fatal crash. The disturbing nature of the footage underscores the dangers posed by stalled vehicles on high-speed roadways and the importance of immediate and visible safety measures.
