LANCASTER, CA — A devastating crash in the Antelope Valley region has claimed the lives of three family members, including a young girl, after a violent collision near Lancaster. The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s Office identified the victims as 38-year-old Vanessa Gonzalez-Gabriel, 49-year-old Abdias Gabriel-Fernandez, and 12-year-old Ruby Gabriel. All three were pronounced dead at the scene after being ejected from their vehicle.
The fatal crash occurred around 4:25 p.m. on Wednesday, July 2, at the intersection of State Route 138 (West Avenue D) and 110th Street West in Antelope Acres. According to the California Highway Patrol (CHP), the victims were traveling in a Chevrolet Colorado pickup truck that had stopped at a stop sign before suddenly pulling into the path of an oncoming Dodge Ram 3500. The resulting impact was severe and caused the occupants of the Chevrolet to be thrown from the vehicle.
A fourth passenger in the pickup, a child whose identity has not been released, suffered serious injuries. Emergency crews transported the child to Antelope Valley Medical Center, where they were rushed into emergency surgery. The driver of the Dodge Ram sustained only minor injuries and was also taken to the hospital for treatment. Officials said that both survivors are expected to recover.
Investigators said the crash was captured on video by a nearby vehicle. After reviewing the footage and assessing the scene, the California Highway Patrol confirmed that no criminal charges will be filed. They concluded the tragic incident was not caused by reckless behavior or intentional wrongdoing, but was instead a heartbreaking accident.
This was one of two major crashes in the Lancaster area on the same day. Earlier, a separate crash involving a public transit bus occurred along Sierra Highway. The bus veered off the road and overturned after debris struck the windshield, injuring the driver and around 15 passengers. That crash remains under investigation as well.
The back-to-back collisions have shaken the Antelope Valley community and sparked renewed calls for improved traffic safety, especially at rural intersections. The deaths of Vanessa, Abdias, and young Ruby serve as a painful reminder of how quickly lives can be lost. Authorities continue to urge all drivers to remain cautious and alert, particularly in areas with limited visibility and heavy traffic.