The crash occurred near South Ola Vista and Avenida Granada at approximately 8 a.m. on Monday, authorities reported
San Clemente, CA – A 53-year-old woman was killed, and three others were critically injured, on Monday morning after a suspect in a stolen U-Haul van crashed into an SUV during a police pursuit, according to the Orange County Sheriff’s Department. Authorities identified the deceased as Maria Ramirezahmad of Anaheim.
The fatal collision occurred at the intersection of South Ola Vista and Avenida Granada just before 8:00 a.m. on Monday, March 30, 2026.
The incident began when deputies attempted to stop a U-Haul van without license plates. The driver failed to yield, initiating a pursuit that lasted less than a minute and covered approximately one block. The fleeing van slammed into a Mazda SUV at high speed at the nearby intersection. The suspect vehicle was later confirmed to be stolen.
Maria Ramirezahmad, the driver of the Mazda, was the only individual confirmed killed in the crash and was pronounced dead at the scene. Three female passengers traveling in the Mazda were rescued from the wreckage and transported to a local hospital in critical condition. The driver of the U-Haul, identified as 39-year-old Mathew Alexander Ronquillo of Cerritos, fled the scene on foot but was later apprehended with the assistance of a sheriff’s K-9 and a helicopter. Ronquillo was booked on multiple charges, including gross vehicular manslaughter and felony evasion causing death.
Original Story
San Clemente, CA – One person was killed, and several others were injured following a multi-vehicle crash at an intersection in San Clemente Monday morning, according to the Orange County Sheriff’s Department.
The crash occurred near South Ola Vista and Avenida Granada at approximately 8 a.m. on Monday, authorities reported.
According to investigators, deputies attempted to stop a suspect driving a stolen U-Haul vehicle, leading to a short pursuit. During the pursuit, the suspect crashed the U-Haul into another vehicle carrying multiple passengers.
One passenger in the second vehicle suffered fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene. Additional occupants in the same vehicle were transported to a hospital with injuries.
The driver and passenger of the U-Haul fled the scene on foot following the crash.
Authorities responded quickly to the scene, and deputies later located two suspects matching the descriptions of the U-Haul driver and passenger. Officials confirmed that no additional suspects were believed to be outstanding.
The crash led to disruptions in the area surrounding the intersection as emergency crews worked to assist victims and investigate the scene.
The cause of the crash remains under investigation, though the incident occurred during an active law enforcement pursuit involving a stolen vehicle.
According to the California Highway Patrol and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), California records thousands of injury crashes annually involving fleeing suspects and reckless driving behaviors. Statewide, more than 3,500 traffic fatalities occur each year, with a significant portion linked to high-speed pursuits and dangerous driving conditions.
Families who have lost a loved one in a fatal accident are encouraged to seek legal guidance to understand their rights and options.