Chula Vista, California – Tragedy struck on Interstate 5 in Chula Vista when a 67-year-old woman and a 16-year-old boy lost their lives in a head-on collision. The victims, Eileen Crawford and Ryder Shoup, were identified by family and authorities on Thursday.
Crawford was behind the wheel of a Honda Civic that entered the southbound lanes of I-5 near the San Ysidro Port of Entry early Wednesday morning, according to the California Highway Patrol. Shoup, a new father from Imperial Beach and a student at Mar Vista High School, was driving a Dodge Challenger that collided with Crawford’s vehicle after traveling six miles in the wrong direction.
Reports from neighbors revealed that Crawford, who was undergoing cancer treatment, may have experienced moments of forgetfulness that could have led to the tragic accident. However, the exact cause of the crash has not yet been determined by the CHP.
News of Shoup’s untimely death spread rapidly on social media, leaving friends and classmates devastated. The city of Imperial Beach expressed its condolences, describing Shoup as a beloved member of the community who had a passion for athleticism and always wore a smile.
Following the crash, authorities received multiple reports of a wrong-way driver before the collision occurred. Both vehicles caught fire, resulting in the tragic loss of both drivers at the scene. The investigation into the incident is ongoing, with toxicology reports expected to shed light on whether alcohol or drugs played a role in the crash.
In recent years, the South Bay area near the border has witnessed several wrong-way crashes, prompting measures by Caltrans to enhance safety, including the installation of LED signs and reflective pavement to alert drivers to wrong-way entry. The effectiveness of these measures has shown a significant reduction in wrong-way incidents.
As the community mourns the loss of Crawford and Shoup, authorities urge anyone with information about the crash to contact the San Diego CHP. The impact of this devastating accident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of road safety and vigilance while driving.