Authorities say both Good Samaritans were struck after stopping near Fallbrook before dawn.
FALLBROOK, CA — A Temecula emergency room nurse and a Fallbrook Marine veteran were killed early June 11 after stopping on Interstate 15 to help a driver involved in a crash near state Route 76, authorities said.
The deaths of Nereida Benitez, 40, and Gary Chadwick Tillman, 54, turned a freeway crash into a wider tragedy for two families and a San Diego hospital community. The California Highway Patrol said a 21-year-old driver from the first collision was booked on suspicion of felony DUI and gross vehicular manslaughter. He was expected in court Thursday.
The crash happened shortly after 4 a.m. in the northbound lanes of I-15 north of state Route 76, a busy stretch near Fallbrook used by commuters between San Diego County and Riverside County. Investigators said a Honda CR-V rear-ended a Toyota Sienna, leaving the Honda disabled near the center median. Benitez had finished an overnight shift and was driving home when she stopped to help. Tillman also pulled over. Both were near the driver’s side of the Honda when another vehicle struck the CR-V, pushing it into them, according to the CHP. Emergency crews tried lifesaving measures, but both were pronounced dead at the scene at 4:32 a.m.
Benitez worked as an emergency nurse at Sharp Memorial Hospital after beginning her nursing career during the COVID-19 pandemic at Sharp Grossmont Hospital. Friends and co-workers said she spent two years working in COVID units before moving into emergency care. Nursing manager Tania Jones said Benitez was known for her warmth and steady care under pressure. “Your heart sinking down to the pit of your stomach. That’s how I felt,” Jones said of learning her friend had died. Jones said Benitez had recently secured enlistment in the Air Force, part of a long-held goal to become a flight nurse. Benitez was a wife and mother, and co-workers said her decision to stop on the freeway fit the way she lived.
The San Diego County Medical Examiner’s Office identified Benitez as a Temecula resident and Tillman as a Fallbrook resident. The office said Benitez died of blunt force head trauma and Tillman died of blunt force trauma. Both deaths were listed as accidents. Tillman was remembered in local reports as a Marine veteran who also stopped to help after the first crash. Authorities said the crash involved multiple vehicles, including the Toyota Sienna, the Honda CR-V and the vehicle that later hit the disabled Honda. Officials have not publicly released all details about the second driver or whether any additional arrests or citations are expected. The CHP said the investigation remains open.
The CHP said the driver of the Honda CR-V, identified in local reports as 21-year-old Jake Lopez Lawrence, was booked at the Vista Detention Facility on suspicion of felony DUI and gross vehicular manslaughter. Local reports said he later posted bail and was due back in court Thursday. Prosecutors had not publicly detailed all charges in the case by Wednesday. The allegations remain accusations unless proven in court. Investigators are expected to review vehicle positions, roadway evidence, witness statements and any available video as they determine how the first crash happened and how the second impact killed the two people who had stopped to help.
The crash closed northbound lanes for several hours while CHP officers investigated and tow crews removed the damaged vehicles. Traffic was diverted at state Route 76, and backups stretched south as the morning commute began. CHP incident information showed the crash was reported around 4:09 a.m. The Medical Examiner’s Office later confirmed next of kin had been notified. At Sharp Memorial, the loss spread quickly through the emergency department. Jones said staff members saw Benitez as family, not just as a co-worker. She said Benitez had a bright smile, even when masks covered most of her face during the pandemic, and brought “positive light and energy” to people around her.
Friends said Benitez had been excited and nervous about the next step in her career. Jones said Benitez had thanked colleagues for believing in her after her Air Force plans moved forward. “She’s a nurse, always caring and compassionate,” Jones said. “That’s how we should remember Nedi.” A visitation for Benitez was scheduled for June 18 at Miller Jones Mortuary in Murrieta. For Tillman’s family, the crash marked the loss of a man who authorities say was also trying to aid someone in danger. Their deaths left a stark record of two people who pulled over before sunrise and did not make it home.
The case remained under CHP investigation Wednesday, June 17. The next public milestone was the expected Thursday court appearance for the 21-year-old driver arrested after the crash.
Author note: Last updated June 17, 2026.