The community of Oro Grande is in deep mourning following the heartbreaking death of 19-year-old Cody Howell, a Riverside Preparatory School Class of 2024 graduate, who was killed in a violent head-on collision early Wednesday morning along National Trails Highway. The sudden tragedy has left family, friends, and residents struggling to process the loss of a young life cut short far too soon.
According to the San Bernardino County Coroner’s Office, the crash occurred at approximately 6:56 a.m. on May 13, west of Robinson Ranch Road. Authorities said the collision involved a northbound Dodge Ram pickup and a southbound Chevrolet Suburban in a forceful impact that left both vehicles severely damaged.
Family members confirmed that Cody Howell was driving the Chevrolet Suburban at the time of the crash. Despite rapid emergency response, he suffered fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene. Officials say the violent nature of the collision made survival impossible, leaving first responders to focus on rescue efforts for other victims involved.
His sister, who was riding as a passenger, survived the crash but was injured. Firefighters worked to free her from the wreckage before she was transported for medical treatment. She suffered a concussion and is now recovering at home. Loved ones shared that she was on her way to school with her brother when the crash occurred, a detail that has made the tragedy even more painful for the family.
The driver of the pickup truck was also seriously injured and had to be airlifted to a trauma center after being extricated from the wreckage. The California Highway Patrol continues to investigate the cause of the collision as authorities work to determine the factors that led to the fatal impact along the highway.
Beyond the investigation, those who knew Cody Howell are remembering him as a kind, hardworking, and devoted young man with a bright future ahead. His sudden passing has left an overwhelming void in the Oro Grande community, where many are struggling to come to terms with the loss of someone so young and full of promise. As friends and family gather to grieve, a GoFundMe campaign has been launched to support funeral and medical expenses, with the community rallying together in prayer, remembrance, and support during this deeply painful time.
