The crash occurred at approximately 3:15 a.m. on Dec. 11, just south of Sierra Avenue, according to the California Highway Patrol and San Bernardino County coroner’s records.
Fontana, CA – A 21-year-old Brian Galvan of Apple Valley was killed early Thursday morning after his car collided with a stopped big rig on the northbound 15 Freeway in Fontana, authorities said.
The crash occurred at approximately 3:15 a.m. on Dec. 11, just south of Sierra Avenue, according to the California Highway Patrol and San Bernardino County coroner’s records.
CHP officials said Galvan was driving a 1990 Lexus sedan northbound when the vehicle drifted toward the right side of the freeway and struck the rear of a big rig that was stopped on the shoulder. The impact caused severe damage to the car.
Galvan was pronounced dead at the scene.
The driver of the big rig, a 59-year-old man from Mississippi, was not injured.
Galvan’s death has left his family devastated. Loved ones described him as a devoted father of three with another child on the way. He is also survived by his partner, Alondra, as well as extended family members. His family established an online fundraiser to help them raise funds for funeral expenses.
The cause and circumstances of the crash remain under investigation by the California Highway Patrol.
In 2023, preliminary reports indicated that the city of Fontana experienced over 1,000 traffic crashes. The Fontana Police Department’s January 2024 monthly report showed 217 total traffic accidents, with 56 involving injuries and 161 resulting in property damage only. Common factors contributing to collisions in Fontana include distracted driving, speeding, and impaired driving (alcohol and drugs). The city is a major regional hub for the trucking industry, with several major interstates (I-10, I-15, I-215, and SR-210) passing through, which contributes to high traffic volume and complex road dynamics. High-risk locations for accidents often include major thoroughfares like Sierra Avenue, Arrow Boulevard, and parts of Interstate 10. For context, the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) 2021 data for Fontana recorded 733 total victims killed and injured in collisions. Statewide, the California Office of Traffic Safety reports generally decreasing fatalities in 2024 projections compared to 2023, though California continues to face significant road safety challenges.
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