January 2024 brought several fatal accidents to the Tri-Community. Most recently, on January 26th at about 1:30 pm. A White Toyota Camry with four occupants traveling westbound on Phelan Road slowed down to make a left turn on Nevada Road and was rear-ended by a White Ecocline Ford Van with one occupant driving. California Highway Patrol and San Bernadino County Fire Department arrived and found two vehicles with significant damage. Sadly, two children in the backseat of the Toyota passed away, 13-year-old Gulliana Puentes and 1-year-old Ahalia Puentes. The driver of the Toyota and front passage were taken to a local hospital in critical condition. The van driver was uninjured and was not found to be under the influence. This accident is under investigation.
Alexandra Puentes, the driver of the Toyota, had picked up her siblings from school, stopped for a meal, and then headed home. The accident occurred at the intersection of Phelan Road and Nevada Road as the Toyota was stopped waiting for traffic to pass so it could turn onto Nevada. “I woke up in the hospital asking for them until, ultimately, they told me that both my sister and niece had died on the scene. Me and my cousin were in critical condition, but I was ultimately released,” stated Alexandra on a GoFundMe page set up for funeral expenses for the children. Her cousin remained in the hospital in stable condition. Donations can be accepted at https://gofund.me/ce98b051.
On January 19th at 10:45 am, a collision involving a car and truck on Highway 2 at Scrub Oak ended tragically; 23-year-old Katie Anderson, a resident of Wrightwood, was pronounced deceased at the scene from injuries sustained in this accident. A GoFundMe page has been set up in Katie’s name to help support her family in this time of need at https://gofund.me/31200505.
Lastly, on January 3rd at about 7:30 am near the intersection of Highway 2 and Desert Front Road, 44-year-old Tyson Bell, a resident of Wrightwood, was in one of many vehicles that collided with one another, which included two cars, a truck, and a snowplow, sadly Mr. Bell was pronounced deceased at Victor Valley Hospital from injuries sustained in this accident. Tyson leaves behind his wife Linda and two children, Paige-9 and Logan-7. A GoFundMe page has been established to raise money to support them with living expenses and funeral expenses through this tragic event. Donations can be accepted at https://gofund.me/63c5465a.
Living in a rural community where driving conditions can be challenging brings a need for an extra level of caution when on the road. Vehicles turning onto main roads from dirt roads, dark winding and, at times, icy mountain roads, and deteriorated road conditions all increase the danger of driving on our local roads. On top of that, the increased amount of traffic traveling on these roads with drivers in a hurry or not paying attention while driving makes a recipe for disaster. When an accident occurs, and there is a fatality, it stings all the more because we live in a small community where everyone knows everyone.
