A devastating three-vehicle collision on Friday morning left five people dead, including a father and son who were on their way to work. The crash sent one of the vehicles careening into a ravine and sparked a brush fire that scorched half an acre before it was extinguished.
Among the victims were Marcial Rivera, 59, and his 32-year-old son, Emmanuel Rivera, who worked together at a landscaping company. The two were headed to a job site when their vehicle was struck head-on by a truck traveling on the wrong side of the road, according to police and Tesla video footage reviewed by local outlets.
“My daddy’s in a better place, but this is very hard,” Marcial’s daughter, Ana Rivera, said through tears in an interview with KSWB-TV. She has since launched a GoFundMe campaign to help the family cover funeral expenses and support the young children left behind.
Police said the crash occurred when one vehicle crossed into oncoming traffic at high speed, slamming into two other trucks. All occupants from the three vehicles were killed. Photos from the scene show wrecked, burned-out cars and scorched brush near the crash site on State Route 67.
Emmanuel, who leaves behind a 7-year-old child and a pregnant girlfriend, was described by family as hardworking and responsible—just like his father. “His loss has left a huge hole in our hearts and in the lives of his young family,” the GoFundMe page reads.
Marcial, a father of five and grandfather, had been married to his wife Regina for 35 years. The family described him as a devoted husband and community member who found joy in bringing people together and actively served his church.
As of Wednesday, the fundraiser had collected nearly $6,500 toward its $20,000 goal, with over 120 donations. “Any contribution, no matter how small, will help ease the financial burden,” the family wrote. “If you are unable to donate, please consider sharing this page.”
The names of the other three crash victims have not yet been released by authorities.
