Mary Cuevas Obituary, Death Cause – Authorities have released the identity of a woman killed in a two-vehicle crash on the Artesia (91) Freeway in Compton early Monday morning. The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s Office confirmed the victim as 62-year-old Mary Cuevas.
The fatal accident occurred shortly after midnight. According to California Highway Patrol (CHP) Officer Sergio Garcia, officers were dispatched around 12:08 a.m. to the eastbound lanes of the 91 Freeway near the Alameda Street exit. When they arrived, they discovered that one of the vehicles involved had veered off the freeway. The car eventually landed on its roof, trapping several people inside.
Emergency crews from the Compton Fire Department rushed to the scene and immediately began working to free the victims from the overturned vehicle. Paramedics labored for several minutes in challenging conditions to extricate the passengers. Despite their efforts, Cuevas was pronounced dead at the scene.
Authorities did not immediately release information about the other victims or the extent of their injuries. Details regarding the second vehicle involved in the crash have also not been fully disclosed. CHP investigators are still working to determine the chain of events that led to the collision.
As part of their investigation, all lanes of the eastbound 91 Freeway were temporarily shut down following the crash. The closure allowed officers to conduct a thorough examination of the scene, gather evidence, and ensure the safety of emergency responders. Traffic was diverted during this period, causing delays for early morning commuters.
The CHP has not yet confirmed the factors that may have contributed to the crash. Investigators are reviewing possibilities such as excessive speed, driver impairment, mechanical failure, or road conditions. Witness statements and any available traffic camera footage will also be examined to help piece together what happened.
Fatal crashes of this nature highlight the dangers that can occur on California’s busy freeway system, particularly during late-night and early-morning hours when visibility is lower and driver fatigue can play a role. Officials routinely remind drivers to exercise caution, follow posted speed limits, and remain alert at all times to reduce the risk of accidents.
The death of Mary Cuevas adds to the toll of lives lost on Los Angeles County roadways this year. Her passing underscores the tragic consequences that can unfold within moments on heavily traveled routes like the Artesia Freeway. While the investigation continues, her family and friends are left to cope with the sudden and devastating loss.
The CHP is expected to release additional information as their inquiry progresses, including updates on the condition of other victims and potential findings about what caused the crash. For now, the case remains under active investigation.
