The fatal collision occurred at approximately 6:56 a.m. on May 13, 2026, on National Trails Highway west of Robinson Ranch Road.
Oro Grande, CA – The man who was killed in a head-on collision on National Trails Highway in Oro Grande on Wednesday morning has been identified.
The San Bernardino County Coroner’s Office identified the deceased as 19-year-old Cody A. Howell.
The fatal collision occurred at approximately 6:56 a.m. on May 13, 2026, on National Trails Highway west of Robinson Ranch Road.
Preliminary investigation findings indicate that Howell was driving a Chevrolet Suburban southbound when it collided head-on with a northbound burgundy Dodge Ram pickup truck. According to people who knew Howell, he was taking his younger sister to school at the time of the collision.
Howell was pronounced dead at the scene by emergency personnel. His younger sister, who was riding as a passenger in the SUV, was extricated from the wreckage by firefighters and reportedly suffered a concussion. She is now recovering at home, according to family friends. The driver of the Dodge Ram was also extricated from the wreckage and airlifted to a trauma center for treatment.
The cause of the fatal Oro Grande crash remains under investigation by the California Highway Patrol’s Victorville Station.
Firefighters, paramedics, California Highway Patrol officers, and the San Bernardino County Coroner’s Office responded to the scene to assist victims and conduct the investigation. National Trails Highway remained closed in both directions for several hours during the on-scene response.
The collision also impacted the Riverside Preparatory School community. The Oro Grande School District released a statement confirming that Howell was a Riverside Preparatory School Class of 2024 graduate and that counselors and support staff would be made available to students and staff affected by the tragedy.
The fatal Oro Grande crash remains under investigation by the California Highway Patrol.