Blog / Wrongful Death / Woman dies after rear-end crash on SR-78 in Vista, DUI suspect arrested

Woman dies after rear-end crash on SR-78 in Vista, DUI suspect arrested

Publish Date: 2023/07/03

SAN DIEGO, CA — A 22-year-old man faces felony DUI charges after a rollover crash Saturday night in Vista that killed a woman, according to ABC10 News.

The California Highway Patrol said the fatal collision occurred on the westbound side of SR-78, just west of Melrose Drive. CHP officers, Vista firefighters, and paramedics were dispatched to the scene at around 9:27 p.m.

A preliminary investigation found that Nicholas Gordon, of Vista, was driving a white Toyota Corolla westbound on SR-78. At one point, the Corolla hit the back of a white Spectra driven by the victim, an Oceanside resident. The impact of the crash sent both vehicles against the wall along the right shoulder, causing the Kia to overturn.

The woman succumbed to her injuries at the scene, confirmed officials.

First responders transported Gordon and his 18-year-old passenger to an area hospital with minor to major injuries considered non-life-threatening.

A section of SR-78 was blocked off for multiple hours during the initial investigation.

Authorities said Gordon was taken into custody on felony charges that include “driving under the influence and gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated.”

Disclaimer: Many of the accidents we report on are preventable. Our hope is that by publishing information about severe accidents, we can equip readers with the information they need to avoid finding themselves involved in such a tragedy. These stories are painful, but real, as they are sourced from news outlets. Outlets sometimes update their published reports. If information on this blog is outdated or incorrect, please let us know so we can update our posting to the most up-to-date information. These posts do not contain legal advice and should not be construed in such a way.

Ross Jurewitz

RossRoss Jurewitz is the founder and managing lawyer of the Jurewitz Law Group, a San Diego personal injury attorney law firm. These San Diego injury accident lawyers specialize in helping people seriously injured in a variety of accidents throughout San Diego County and California.

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Woman dies after rear-end crash on SR-78 in Vista, DUI suspect arrested

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