The Antelope Valley Times

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Lancaster man dies in crash with big rig

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ANTELOPE VALLEY – A 51-year-old Lancaster man was killed Monday after he ran his pickup truck off the road, over-corrected and then collided head-on with a big rig, authorities said.

Paul W. Rivas died at the scene of the collision, which happened around 10:30 a.m., Monday (Jan. 14) on Highway 138, west of 140th Street West, according to a California Highway Patrol report.

Rivas was driving a 2001 Dodge Ram pickup truck eastbound on SR-138 at an undetermined speed, when Rivas allowed his vehicle to drift right onto the south dirt shoulder, the report states.

Rivas overcorrected to the left and ended up in the westbound lane, directly in the path of a 2003 Freightliner 3 axle-dual trailer (big rig), the report states.

The front end of the big rig collided with the front end of the pickup truck, and Rivas sustained fatal injuries, the report states.

The big rig driver, 44-year-old Clarence Bonam of Adelanto, complained of pain to his left leg.

The collision ruptured the big rig’s fuel tanks, releasing about 180 gallons of diesel fuel onto the north dirt shoulder. As a result, Highway 138 was closed for more than six hours in both directions, between 140th Street West and 170th Street West.

Caltrans responded to assist with traffic control and clean up, and Los Angeles County Health Department personnel responded to coordinate and supervise the diesel fuel spill.

The roadway was re-opened around 5:30 p.m. Monday.

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19 comments for "Lancaster man dies in crash with big rig"

  2. I worked with Paul at first solar this past year until we got laid off a week before the accident occurred.
    I feel so bad of the situation he was such a good man. My condolences goes out to his family.

  3. Makayla, I was very sad to hear about you Dad. He was Probably the funniest person I have ever met. Our families became friends years ago when my kids started to play baseball at Sky Tower Park and then he coached my son and daughter in soccer at the Lancaster Soccer Complex. He would always make sure the kids were having a great time and would make everyone laugh with his crazy personality. Your DAD will be missed greatly by everyone. We are so sorry for your loss. Makayla…Just remember that smile and that laugh and keep it in your heart forever…..

  4. I worked with Paul 25 years ago at MICOM, and lived down the street from the family when both our young families moved up to the Antelope Valley. So many GREAT MEMORIES, Paul was a very generous and funny guy. So sorry for your loss.

    Brian St. John

  5. DEAR MIKAYLA & FAMILY I CAN’T BELIEVE IT, YOUR DAD WAS AMAZING WE USE TO CHAT ON THE SOCCER FIELDS DURING PRACTICE REMEMBER AT Marie Kerr East such a gentleman such a kind person he always helped me set the banner up,it was such a delight to see him at soccer games at Pelona Vista when u played on our team,I’m so sorry he will be missed, so sorry for your loss,I remember how wise he was, always nice things to say,again thinking of u in this time of sorrow & disbelief Kim & Sarah Pagano & family

  6. Makayla, I went to school with your dad many years ago. I am so sorry for your loss. Your family is in my prayers!

  7. Dear Makayla, you do not know me but my husband, son and I came upon the scene of the accident just moments after it happened. We were traveling back to Northern California from visiting family in Acton. We did not stop, as there were two big rigs and another vehicle tending to the scene. It truly shook all of us to our core. We immediately began praying for everyone involved. It was very sobering and frightening to come upon such a horrific scene. It sounds like your father was a very caring and loving man. Please accept our sincerest condolences. Our prayers and deepest thoughts extend to you and your family. May God bind up your broken hearts. dlg

  8. Makayla May your Padre Rest in Peace With the Angels. It will be rough no doubt but stay strong be there for your Mother and celebrate Paul’s Life!

    God Speed……

  9. Wouldn’t it be wise to proof your story for even the simplest errors. I mean my 9 year old niece knows the difference between past and path. Just because this is a on-line publication doesn’t mean you can get away with incompetent errors.

    • If your trying to say this story is wrong and has errors, You are wrong. The only Reason I know that the story Is true is because THATS MY DAD!!!!!! Paul William Rivas, he is my dad and i loved him, he did die at the scene! so dont try to prove the story wrong! im 14 Years old and i came home from school with my mom worrying about his whereabouts. The only reason i was on here is because no one would tell me what happened besides that he was in a crash. So thanks for trying to say something about the story When YOU DONT EVEN KNOW!

      • MC – why nit pick? By the way,I think it should be ” this is an on-line publication”.

        Makayla – So sorry for your loss and prayers our with you and your family.

      • Makayla, so sorry for the loss of your dad. Seems like it was a genuine accident. The 138 is listed as one of the most dangerous roads in America. It’s a two-lane road, so there’s not a lot of room for error. I hate to read about these types of accidents, and it pains me to know you lost your dad this way. God bless you and your family.

      • Makayla, I didn’t know your dad, but my parents did. We are so sorry for your loss and we are here for your mom. This is a difficult time and I wish there was more I could do to help you all. I will keep you in my prayers.

      • Makayla,
        Your Dad was an amazing Man. Remember all the good times you kids spent with him. Your Dad was a big inspiration and an awesome role model for all those young kids he encountered on the soccer fields. Much appreciation to your Dad for those countless hours he volunteered. He has inspired my children, now young adults in volunteering in their local communities out of state.

        RIP Paul.

      • Makayla… Im so sorry for your loss. Your father was a great man that will be deeply missed. He was my soccer coach 13 years ago. I cant believe this has happened. My prayers are with you and your family!

    • ??? What are you are talking about? Where do you see ‘past’ in the story? Lay off the drugs man. LOL!

    • This poor family lost a loved one and all you can do is point out grammatical errors (which I did not see) in this story.

      Makayla, may your father rest in peace. We’re praying for you and your family.