Chelsea Jewkes dies in fatal Palmdale car crash

Chelsea Jewkes dies in fatal Palmdale car crash
Fatal Palmdale car crash death of Chelsea Jewkes

Investigators confirmed the identity of the woman killed in a multi-vehicle collision in Palmdale on Friday. The fatal incident occurred around 5:10 p.m. near Avenue N and 22nd Street West, as reported by the California Highway Patrol.

The driver, a 25-year-old man from Compton, was operating a 2008 Mercedes westbound on Avenue N. Citing reckless driving, authorities stated he attempted to overtake another vehicle by swerving onto the north shoulder at a high speed. This maneuver caused him to lose control, cross into the opposite lanes, and collide with a 2021 Lexus sedan. The driver then struck a 2022 Honda SUV.

A 2019 Honda sedan sustained damage from debris scattered during the collision. Chelsea Jewkes, a 31-year-old Lancaster resident, was pronounced dead at the scene. Three other individuals involved in the crash were transported to Antelope Valley Medical Center with injuries described as moderate to severe, including a 32-year-old man from Palmdale.

The at-fatal-driver, identified as 25-year-old K. Littiz, and his 22-year-old passenger, K. Wright, fled the scene but were apprehended later. Both individuals, originally from Compton, were booked at the Palmdale sheriff’s station.

Drug influence is believed to have contributed to the collision, according to preliminary findings. Littiz had allegedly been involved in a previous unrelated accident before the fatal incident.

The public is urged to provide any information regarding the collision to the CHP Antelope Valley-area office at 661-743-6060. After-hours inquiries should be directed to the Los Angeles Traffic Management Center at 323-259-3200.