Juan Fernando Velez, Jesus Alberto Sotelo Ramirez Obituary, Death – The Kern County Sheriff-Coroner has confirmed the identities of the two victims who died in a tragic four-vehicle crash early Wednesday morning on Tehachapi Willow Springs Road, located north of Oak Creek Road. The victims, Jesus Alberto Sotelo Ramirez, 38, from Lancaster, and his passenger, Juan Fernando Velez, 54, from Los Angeles, were both pronounced dead at the scene due to the injuries they sustained in the collision.
The California Highway Patrol Mojave Area received a report of the crash at approximately 7:25 a.m. When officers arrived, they discovered the aftermath of a four-vehicle collision that had taken place on Tehachapi Willow Springs Road. Initial investigations revealed that Christopher Lumabao, 27, from Delano, was driving a Ford F-550 southbound on the road when the accident occurred.
Lumabao’s vehicle first collided with a GMC 3500, driven by Amilcar Hercules, 51, from Lancaster, who was traveling northbound. The force of the collision pushed Lumabao’s Ford into a Honda CRV, which was also traveling north, driven by Ramirez. Following this, Lumabao’s truck struck a Chevy 2500 driven by Gary Collins, 59, from Palmdale, who was also traveling north.
The crash left two individuals dead at the scene: Ramirez and Velez, his passenger. Their Honda CRV was struck during the chain-reaction collision, resulting in fatal injuries. The other drivers involved in the accident, including Lumabao, Hercules, and Collins, were not reported to have sustained major injuries at this time.
The cause of the crash is still under investigation, with authorities working to determine the exact factors that led to the tragic events. The California Highway Patrol has urged anyone who may have witnessed the crash or has additional information to come forward. Those with details are encouraged to contact Officer Hubbard at the CHP Mojave Area office at 661-823-5500.
The incident highlights the dangers of driving on busy roads, particularly when multiple vehicles are involved in chain-reaction crashes. As the investigation continues, local authorities are emphasizing the importance of safe driving practices, particularly in high-traffic areas. For the families of Ramirez and Velez, this tragedy has left a profound impact, and the community is mourning the loss of two lives taken too soon.