Martin Reyes Gomez Obituary, Death – Authorities have identified the man who lost his life in a freeway collision that occurred early Sunday morning in Burbank. According to a statement from the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s Office, the individual was 52-year-old Martin Reyes Gomez.
The incident took place around 3:45 a.m. on the northbound side of the Golden State (5) Freeway near Alameda Avenue. Law enforcement officials reported that one of the vehicles involved had been traveling in the wrong direction at the time of the crash.
According to the California Highway Patrol (CHP), the collision involved multiple vehicles. Preliminary reports indicate that one car was heading north in the number one lane when it was struck by another vehicle traveling south in the wrong direction. The impact caused a third vehicle to collide with the car that had initially struck the wrong-way vehicle, resulting in one of the vehicles overturning and landing on its roof.
All vehicles remained at the scene following the crash. Emergency crews, including paramedics and CHP officers, quickly responded to the incident. Despite their efforts, Gomez was found deceased inside the vehicle he had been driving.
CHP Officer Shanelle Phillips stated that alcohol is being considered as a possible contributing factor in the collision, although investigators have not confirmed whether this applied specifically to Gomez. The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s Office listed Gomez’s primary causes of death as aortic dissection and rupture, along with atherosclerotic and hypertensive cardiovascular disease, conditions that may have contributed to the severity of the incident’s outcome.
Following the crash, law enforcement closed the northbound lanes of the 5 Freeway at Alameda Avenue for several hours while investigators documented the scene and cleared the wreckage. A Sigalert was issued at 4:28 a.m. to notify drivers of the closure, and it remained in effect until 8:46 a.m., when all lanes were reopened to traffic.
During that time, traffic was diverted to alternate routes, and crews worked carefully to remove the damaged vehicles and debris. The CHP’s specialized traffic reconstruction team conducted measurements, took photographs, and gathered evidence to help determine the sequence of events and contributing factors.
Investigators are continuing to review whether alcohol impairment, speed, or other factors played a role in the incident. They are also analyzing reports from witnesses and any potential video footage from freeway cameras or nearby businesses to provide a clearer understanding of what happened in the moments leading up to the crash.
The Golden State Freeway, also known as Interstate 5, is one of California’s busiest roadways, connecting multiple major cities through Los Angeles County. Crashes involving wrong-way drivers, though rare, often lead to severe consequences due to the high speeds involved.
Authorities are reminding drivers to remain alert and to report any erratic driving behavior immediately by calling 911. Safety officials emphasize that even brief moments of inattention or impaired driving can lead to tragic outcomes, particularly on major freeways with heavy traffic flow.
Community members have expressed sadness over the loss of life, noting that incidents of this nature deeply affect everyone involved — from families to first responders. Officials also extended their condolences to Gomez’s loved ones as they await further details from the ongoing investigation.
The CHP expects to release additional information once the investigation is complete, including any official findings regarding the cause and contributing circumstances. In the meantime, authorities continue urging motorists to drive responsibly, avoid distractions, and never operate a vehicle under the influence of any substance that may impair judgment or reaction time.
The incident serves as a sobering reminder of how quickly tragedy can occur on the road, even in the early morning hours when traffic is light.
