Johnathan Nevels was driving a pickup truck that struck a semi-truck before being rear-ended by a sedan near Fletcher Parkway in El Cajon
El Cajon, CA – The person who was killed in a multi-vehicle crash on Interstate 8 in El Cajon early Saturday morning has been identified, according to authorities.
The San Diego Medical Examiner identified the victim as 28-year-old Johnathan Tyson Nevels of El Cajon.
The fatal collision occurred on eastbound Interstate 8 just east of the Fletcher Parkway off-ramp at approximately 1:37 a.m. on May 2, 2026, according to the California Highway Patrol.
As per the CHP, the incident involved a pickup truck, a semi-truck, and a sedan. Investigators said the pickup truck rear-ended the semi-truck and was subsequently struck from behind by the sedan. At least one vehicle became lodged under the semi-truck during the collision, and debris was scattered across the roadway.
Nevels sustained severe injuries and was transported by ambulance to Sharp Memorial Hospital, where he later died at about 5:23 a.m. the same day.
Emergency responders worked to extricate trapped occupants and clear significant debris, including vehicle fluids and broken glass, from the freeway.
The crash resulted in a full closure of the eastbound lanes of Interstate 8, causing major traffic disruptions while crews worked to reopen the roadway.
The California Highway Patrol continues to investigate the incident.