Victim in Fatal Accident on I-215 Identified

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Story updated with identity of the deceased. The investigation is ongoing. No further information has been given about the driver of the 1988 Bounder vehicle and no arrests have been made.

A Hemet man died from injuries suffered in a multi-vehicle accident on Interstate 215 just south of Newport Road in Menifee on Wednesday, according to a CHP news release.

Lawrence Hernandez, 62, was driving a 2004 Dodge Ram pick-up truck and was stopped in heavy traffic in the northbound No. 3 lane about 3:20 p.m. The driver of a 1988 Bounder recreation vehicle, identified as 42-year-old Lance Joseph DeJesus of San Diego, was traveling at about 45-50 mph and failed to observe the stopped traffic in front of him, according to authorities. He rear-ended the pick-up truck, which in turn crashed into the back of a 2011 Ford Taurus, driven by Michael Dawson, 43, of Sun City.

All three vehicles came to rest on the right shoulder of the freeway. Hernandez was extricated from his vehicle and transported to Inland Valley Regional Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead. The No. 3 lane was closed for approximately 30 minutes and a SIG Alert was issued.

Three other people received minor injuries in the accident. The CHP is conducting the traffic investigation but no arrests have been made.