Lake Los Angeles, California – The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s Office has identified the two victims who tragically lost their lives in a devastating head-on collision in Lake Los Angeles on Monday, August 19, 2024. The victims were identified as 79-year-old Juanita Ruffner and 30-year-old Jesus Garcia Ibarra.
The fatal accident occurred around 11:35 a.m. at the intersection of Palmdale Boulevard and 152nd Street East. According to reports, the Antelope Valley CHP station received a call about the two-vehicle collision and immediately dispatched first responders to the scene. Upon arrival, they discovered two heavily damaged vehicles—a white Kia and a blue Chevy Cruze—on opposite sides of the road.
Juanita Ruffner, who was driving the white Kia, was found deceased at the scene. The vehicle had ended up on its side along the north shoulder of the road. Ruffner’s death has deeply affected the local community, particularly as she was set to celebrate her 80th birthday in just two weeks.
The blue Chevy Cruze, which had crashed into a wooden pole on the south shoulder, was carrying two adult males. Jesus Garcia Ibarra, one of the occupants, was also declared deceased at the scene. The second male passenger was transported to Antelope Valley Medical Center in critical condition.
Witnesses have reported seeing the blue Chevy Cruze driving erratically, weaving in and out of traffic at high speeds before the tragic head-on collision occurred. However, these accounts remain unconfirmed as the California Highway Patrol (CHP) continues to investigate the incident.
The accident caused significant disruption in the area, including damage to a nearby power pole, which required utility crews to make emergency repairs. Traffic was rerouted as authorities worked to clear the scene and gather evidence to determine the exact cause of the collision.
Community members have expressed their grief and concern on social media, with many calling for increased safety measures on local roads to prevent similar tragedies in the future. The deaths of Ruffner and Garcia Ibarra have underscored the dangers of reckless driving and the profound impact such incidents can have on families and the broader community.
Anyone with information or dash cam footage related to the accident is urged to contact the Antelope Valley CHP station at 661-948-8541.