The fatal collision occurred at approximately 4 a.m. on Thursday, June 11, 2026, on northbound Interstate 15 near State Route 76.
Fallbrook, CA – The two Good Samaritans who were killed after stopping to help at the scene of a crash on Interstate 15 in Fallbrook early Thursday morning have been identified, according to authorities.
The San Diego County Medical Examiner’s Office identified the victims as 54-year-old Gary Chadwick Tillman of Fallbrook and 40-year-old Nereida Benitez of Temecula.
The fatal collision occurred at approximately 4 a.m. on Thursday, June 11, 2026, on northbound Interstate 15 near State Route 76.
Investigators said a Honda CR-V driven by a 21-year-old man rear-ended a Toyota Sienna under unclear circumstances. After the initial crash, Tillman and Benitez stopped to assist those involved.
Authorities said the two Good Samaritans were outside their vehicles, rendering aid when a Honda Civic struck the passenger side of the Honda CR-V, hitting both victims.
Tillman and Benitez suffered fatal injuries and were pronounced dead at the scene at approximately 4:32 a.m. Emergency personnel attempted lifesaving measures before both victims were declared deceased. The Medical Examiner’s Office determined Tillman died from blunt force trauma, while Benitez died from blunt force head trauma.
According to the California Highway Patrol, the driver of the Honda CR-V was believed to have been under the influence of alcohol at the time of the initial crash. Investigators continue to examine all factors that may have contributed to the deadly collision.
California Highway Patrol officers, firefighters, and paramedics responded to the scene and conducted rescue efforts. The Medical Examiner’s Office later completed its investigation, and next-of-kin notifications were made.
The crash forced the closure of all northbound lanes of Interstate 15 for several hours while authorities investigated the scene and cleared the damaged vehicles from the freeway.
The fatal crash remains under investigation by the California Highway Patrol.