UPDATE – June 1, 2016 – The driver and front passenger involved in the fatal traffic collision that occurred on May 29, 2016 at approximately 3:35 a.m. near the intersection of Big Bear Blvd. and Lark Road in Big Bear Lake have been identified. The driver, Hermelinda Celis-Juarez, a 44-year- old resident of Big Bear Lake, remains in critical condition on life support. The front passenger, Andrea Garibaldi, an 18-year- old resident of Big Bear Lake remains in the hospital, and is expected to make a full recovery from her physical injuries. The cause of the collision remains under investigation with the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department’s Major Accident Investigation Team.
Big Bear Lake, CA, May 30, 2016 – On May 29, 2016, at approximately 3:35 am, deputies from the Big Bear Sheriff’s Station and rescue personnel from Big Bear Fire Department responded to a single vehicle traffic collision near the intersection of Big Bear Blvd. and Lark Rd. Upon arrival deputies determined that a Lincoln Navigator was traveling east on Big Bear Blvd. For an unknown reason the driver of the Lincoln went off of the road striking a ditch. The Lincoln continued east while off of the road. The driver attempted to regain control of the vehicle, but was unable to and struck a power pole. The two rear passengers, identified as 14 year old Luis Garibaldi and 30 year old Omar De La Cruz-Moreno, both residents of Big Bear Lake, suffered fatal injuries due to the collision. The driver and front passenger were transported to Loma Linda University Medical Center to be treated for their injuries. At this time both subjects are in critical condition. The driver and front passenger have not been identified at this time.
Investigators with the CHP’s Multidisiplinary Accident Investigation Team or MAIT, are continuing the investigation into the collision. Anyone with information or anyone who may have witnessed the collision is asked to contact Detective McCurdy from the Big Bear Sheriff’s Station at (909)866-0100.
