A tragic early morning crash in Los Angeles County has claimed the lives of two men, authorities confirmed. The fatal collision occurred Sunday at the intersection of Newhall Avenue and Sierra Highway, prompting a significant emergency response and temporary road closures as investigators worked to determine what led to the deadly impact.

Officials with the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner identified the victims as Mario Baez, 61, of San Fernando, and Nathaniel Cottrill, 45, of Bullhead City, Arizona. The announcement brought somber clarity to a devastating incident that has left families in two communities grieving an unexpected loss.

According to authorities, the crash involved a vehicle that was making a suspected illegal left turn out of a nearby mobile home park. That vehicle collided with a westbound truck operated by Los Angeles County Public Works. The driver of the Public Works truck was not injured in the crash, officials said.

Deputies from the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff’s Station responded to the scene, including Sgt. R. Arambulo, to investigate the circumstances surrounding the collision. The Los Angeles County Fire Department was dispatched at approximately 6:13 a.m. following reports that a person was trapped inside one of the vehicles.

Firefighters arrived within minutes and worked quickly to extricate one individual from the wreckage. In total, three people were involved in the incident. Two ambulances responded to the scene, though no additional transports were reported beyond those connected to the fatal injuries. Authorities closed the emergency call at 6:52 a.m. after completing their on-scene operations.

The collision led to temporary road closures along Newhall Avenue and Sierra Highway while deputies and emergency personnel secured the area and gathered evidence. Investigators have not yet released further details regarding possible contributing factors, and the case remains under active review as officials seek to fully understand what caused the tragic crash.