The fatal collision occurred at approximately 12:59 p.m. on Wednesday, May 6, 2026, at the intersection of State Route 76 and State Route 79, according to the California Highway Patrol.
Santa Ysabel, CA – The woman who was killed in a two-vehicle crash at the intersection of State Route 76 and State Route 79 in Santa Ysabel on Wednesday afternoon has been identified.
The San Diego County Medical Examiner’s Office identified the deceased as 76-year-old Joan Marie Smith of Anza.
The fatal collision occurred at approximately 12:59 p.m. on Wednesday, May 6, 2026, at the intersection of State Route 76 and State Route 79, according to the California Highway Patrol.
Preliminary investigation findings indicate that Smith was driving a pickup truck that was involved in a T-bone collision with a sedan. The pickup truck reportedly overturned and went down an embankment following the impact. A passerby called 911 after the collision.
Smith suffered blunt force injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene by responding paramedics at approximately 1:20 p.m. Two other people reportedly sustained minor injuries in the crash. No arrests were reported.
The cause of the collision remains under investigation by the California Highway Patrol. The incident was ruled an accident by the Medical Examiner’s Office.
California Highway Patrol officers, emergency medical personnel, the San Diego County Medical Examiner’s Office, and Caltrans crews responded to the scene and assisted with the investigation and traffic control efforts.