Deadly wreck was along Shore Road west of Lake Road, authorities say
GILROY, CA, (January 14, 2025) - A Tuesday night crash in Gilroy claimed the lives of three teenagers, currently students at Hollister High School, and injured three others, authorities said. One of the fatality victims has been identified as Anzhel Villegas-Lemus.
Anzhel Villegas-Lemus, 17, was identified as one of three teens killed in a traffic collision along Shore Road in Gilroy Tuesday night, officials said, adding all the victims were current students at Hollister High School.
Based on preliminary findings, a driver traveling west on Shore Road west of Lake Road around 7 p.m. lost control of the vehicle, veered into opposing traffic, and crashed into a car heading east on Shore. Villegas-Lemus, 17, and two other occupants of the first car died from injuries, per the California Highway Patrol. The fourth occupant—a former student—was airlifted to a hospital in critical condition.
Two people in the second vehicle were transported to the hospital with unspecified injuries.
Anyone with additional information about the incident was urged to contact the Hollister-Gilroy Area office at (408) 427-0700.
The investigation remains underway.
CRASH INVESTIGATION NEEDED
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, speeding was the primary cause of fatal crashes in 2018, followed by the influence of alcohol, drugs, or medication; failure to stay in the proper lane; failure to yield the right of way; and distracted driving.
While the cause and liability of the crash are being investigated, Candice Bond, an experienced accident attorney and Managing Partner of Bond Legal, said that it is imperative to have an independent investigation conducted by a seasoned attorney.
“In addition to the diligent work of law enforcement, an attorney can re-interview important witnesses, analyze any surveillance video from the scene of the crash, and obtain phone and texting records of the liable party,” said Bond.
WRONGFUL DEATH CLAIM
Pending the investigation, the family members of Anzhel Villegas-Lemus may be entitled to a wrongful death claim. Family members of wrongful death victims may seek damages for loss of companionship, pain and suffering, and emotional distress following a catastrophic accident.
“We understand that losing a loved one is not only a deeply emotional loss but also an economic one,” said Bond, a national analyst for Newsline.
“If you have lost a loved one due to someone else’s negligence, contact a wrongful death attorney and get the guidance needed to obtain the justice you deserve.”
Have you been in a similar accident and need help? Speak to Newsline's national legal analyst Candice Bond now free of charge for a no-obligation consultation
(Candice Bond, our national legal analyst, is a Managing Partner at Bond Legal. Newsline can and does use quotes from prior interviews with our analysts for our news articles. If you would like to contact Bond Legal to help you, please call 866-985-6515 or use the submission box found on this page. Legal analysts quoted may or may not be licensed in your state).