Freeway crash kills three, including Paloma Valley student

By Doug Spoon, Editor

Three people died in a solo vehicle freeway crash Monday morning, including a female student at Paloma Valley High School, authorities said.

The collision took place at about 3:58 a.m. on the southbound 215 Freeway transition to the southbound 15 Freeway, according to a CHP news release. The driver of a 2008 Charger, traveling in moderate rain, lost control of her vehicle, causing it to go off the edge of the road. The vehicle then struck a metal pole and burst into flames.

Two passengers, one male and one female, were ejected from the vehicle. Their names, hometowns and ages were not released. Those passengers, along with a third unnamed passenger -- a 15-year-old female from El Cajon -- were pronounced dead at the scene. The driver, identified as 21-year-old Alexia Rodriguez of El Cajon, suffered serious burns but was able to extricate herself from the burning vehicle.

Later in the day, Paloma Valley High principal Jennifer Thomasian sent out the following email regarding one of the victims:

“It is with a heavy heart that I share that a PVHS member of the Class of ’23 passed away in a car accident. We will have additional crisis counselors on campus Tuesday to support students as they grieve and process the loss of their classmate and friend. If your student is struggling, please have them come to the counseling office or Wellness Center at any time. In addition, we offer a variety of ongoing mental health supports to our families.

“The loss of one so young and unexpectedly is hard to process for our whole community. Our thoughts and prayers go out to their family.”

An investigation determined that the driver had been operating under the influence of alcohol, according to the CHP. She was initially airlifted to Arrowhead Regional Medical Center for treatment and later charged with felony gross vehicular manslaughter and felony driving under the influence of alcohol.

No other information is available at this time.