Rashaad S. Wharton dies in fatal Piñon Hills car crash.

Rashaad S. Wharton dies in fatal Piñon Hills car crash.

Fatal Piñon Hills car crash death of Rashaad S. Officials have confirmed that Rashaad S. Wharton, a 22-year-old resident of Apple Valley, was killed Monday afternoon when his vehicle collided head-on with a large truck on Highway 18 near Piñon Hills.

The incident occurred at approximately 4:45 p.m. on September 22, 2025, close to Minero Road. According to reports from the California Highway Patrol, Wharton was driving his white Equinox pickup truck eastbound. He was observed traveling at a notably fast pace and had strayed into the opposite lane while attempting to pass other vehicles.

Investigators stated that Wharton did not return to his proper lane before the collision. The driver of the opposing white semi-truck tried to evade the situation by steering left. However, their efforts were unsuccessful as the front ends of both vehicles impacted directly.

The Equinox ended up in the desert area located south of the main highway. Emergency responders arrived at the scene and pronounced Wharton deceased at the spot. His body was later moved by fire department personnel and handed over to the Coroner’s Office for further examination.

The truck was being operated by a 79-year-old woman. Her 73-year-old companion, who was also in the vehicle, was not injured. Fortunately, their pets remained safe as well.

Highway 18 was closed off in both directions for several hours due to the extensive wreckage and ongoing investigations. The California Highway Patrol continues to look into the causes of this tragic accident.