It Could Happen to Anyone: Two Hispanics Lose Their Lives on the Freeway, and Now Their Families Grieve

Two Freeway Accidents in California

Latino Families Seek Support

Young Men Lose Their Lives

In less than a week, two Latino families in California are facing the heartbreak of losing loved ones in tragic freeway accidents.

José Irving Orozco Gómez, a 26-year-old from Los Angeles, and Rafael Ortega, 45, from Corona, both lost their lives in separate incidents that occurred on highways in Southern California.

The two accidents, just days apart, have deeply affected their communities, which have come together to support the families with funeral expenses and to honor the memories of both men.

As authorities investigate the causes of the crashes, friends and relatives are urging drivers to be more cautious behind the wheel, remembering the victims as hardworking, cheerful, and deeply loved men.

José Irving Orozco Dies in Freeway Crash in California

California freeway accidents Hispanic victims – PHOTO: gofundme

On October 27, the life of José Irving Orozco Gómez, only 26, was cut short in a tragic crash on the I-5 freeway in Irvine, California.

According to the California Highway Patrol (CHP), the accident occurred around 8:30 a.m. when the young man’s Infiniti collided at high speed with another vehicle stopped in traffic.

Witnesses said Orozco was driving in the fast lane when he rear-ended a Jeep, causing a multi-vehicle collision that also involved a Mazda SUV.

The impact was so violent that the Infiniti driver died instantly at the scene, confirmed Sgt. Gerard McCann of the Orange County Sheriff’s Department.

Orozco’s Family Seeks Support After the Tragedy

California Accidents Leave Two Families Devastated — PHOTO: GoFundMe

The family of José Irving now faces profound grief.

Loved ones have launched a GoFundMe campaign to cover funeral expenses and honor a son, brother, and friend described as joyful, hardworking, and always willing to help others.

“He was a young man with many dreams — always smiling and generous,” said one of his relatives while sharing the fundraising page.

Authorities continue to investigate traffic conditions and the vehicle’s speed to determine the exact cause of the crash.

Rafael Ortega Dies in Freeway Crash in California

California Accidents Leave Two Families Devastated — PHOTO: GoFundMe

Just five days earlier, on October 22, another fatal accident shook the Latino community in Southern California.

Rafael Ortega, 45, a resident of Corona, died after losing control of his 2005 Ford F-150 while driving on the I-15 freeway near Murrieta.

Capt. Chris Hamilton, spokesperson for the California Highway Patrol, reported that the crash occurred around 9:20 p.m., just south of Clinton Keith Road.

According to the report, Ortega veered to the right and drove up a dirt embankment before overturning, which caused him to be ejected from the vehicle.

Families Mourn the Losses From California Freeway Accidents

California Accidents Leave Two Families Devastated — PHOTO: GoFundMe

Authorities confirmed that Ortega was not wearing a seatbelt, and paramedics pronounced him dead at the scene.

“The California Highway Patrol reminds all motorists to always wear a seatbelt. Seatbelts save lives and prevent injuries,” Hamilton said in a statement.

Ortega’s family has also launched a GoFundMe campaign to help cover funeral expenses and travel costs for his wife and stepdaughter.

The Corona community has rallied around the family, remembering Rafael as a kind, hardworking, and loving man.