The Antelope Valley Times

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2 teens killed in Highway 138 crash

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Fatal crash graphicTwo teenagers were killed Monday night after a big rig slammed into a car in a rural intersection, forcing both vehicles into the desert.

Sixteen-year-old John Michael Burgess of Palmdale was pronounced dead at the scene, while 16-year-old Christopher Alan Ricker of Rosamond was transported to Antelope Valley Hospital, where he later died of his injuries, according to Assistant Chief Ed Winter of the Los Angeles County Coroner’s Office.

[L to R] Christopher Ricker and John Burgess.
[L to R] Christopher Ricker and John Burgess.
Both teens were riding in a 2002 Toyota Prius that was broadsided by a 2000 Volvo Tractor/Trailer around 6:45 p.m. Monday, in the intersection of 60th Street West and SR-138, according to a California Highway Patrol report.

Ricker was driving the Prius northbound on 60th Street West when he “failed to stop at a stop sign” and drove directly into the path of the big rig, which was traveling westbound on SR-138 at an estimated 55 mph, according to the CHP report.

The big rig’s driver, 55-year-old Rodolfo C. Marcello of Littlerock, attempted to stop but could not do so in time, the CHP report states.

The front end of the big rig smashed into the right side of the Prius, forcing both vehicles northwest into the desert. Both teens were trapped inside the Prius and had to be extricated by LA County Fire Personnel, according to the CHP report.

Information on the big rig driver’s condition was not immediately available.

Editor’s note: There were conflicting reports on which teen was driving the Prius. Due to the damage of the car and the positions of the bodies, the driver of the Prius was initially reported to the coroner’s office as Burgess, Winter said. However, a later CHP media report stated that Ricker was driving the Prius. The CHP report also listed Ricker’s city of residence as Piedmont, Oklahoma. However, the coroner’s office has listed Ricker as a Rosamond resident based on his parents’ address, Winter said. The incident remains under investigation, and we will update this story when more information becomes available.

Picture of the crash scene per KTLA 5 News

Post by KTLA 5 News.

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32 comments for "2 teens killed in Highway 138 crash"

  1. At that time of night – the Truck Driver had the sun in his eyes and probably so did the boys. A STOP sign and Rumble strip is required at this intersection.

  3. I agree with those that say we need either a red warning light or stop sign with LED lights because every time I’m on 138, I have a near-encounter like this with some idiot doesn’t look and runs the stop sign. Something MUST be done to save further bloodshed!

  4. It is so sad!..I have been passing that intersection for over 30 years and I am always looking for that driver crossing without stopping. Many have been hurt and too many have died. The intersection is well marked but could be a lot better marked if they would simply put up a “Flashing” stop sign. Solar powered…can’t cost that much money. Our hearts go out to those parents and the driver of the truck.

  5. We are very saddened by this accident. My daughter went to kindergarten and 1st grade with John, he was well liked and a very nice boy. Ours hearts go out to you and we will keep you in our prayers!

  6. New L.E.D. Stop Signs….My brother Brenton died on Hwy 138 and I fell and pray for all involved both drivers and passenger and families. We must use new technology like LED Lighted sensor Signs and force our local government to use them to save lives.

    And have at least two new passing lanes placed on this section of the hwy to prevent head-on collisions. And have a requied course in highscool on driver Ed the number one killer of young people!!! Why was it taken out of high schools ???

    I hope the community and families will not let there tragedy go unnoticed and bring an out pouring for change!

    • Not to sound callus, but this sounds more like a case of an inexperienced driver then any lack of proper warnings signs.

      138 would be a state maintained road most likely. Statistics would need to be gathered, reports submitted etc then IF there is money in the budget, maybe 5-10 years in the future improved signs MIGHT be installed.

      • I have been driving for over 20 years and I have almost missed that stop sign a few times. Experience plays a part but that intersection could use more than only a stop sign. I pray for the families as I too have a 16 year old who just began driving and it our worst fears. May God bless you all!!

        • Yes I would have had a close call or possibly an accident at this location had not I’ve been a resident of Neenach for 5 years.

    • There are many markings saying a stop is coming up. People need to pay more attention when they drive.

      I see people slow down and than blow through these streets without doing a complete stop.

      They know there is a stop sign, they just choose to ignore it.

      I normally do not like saturation enforcement, but between 110th and 50th the CHP need to stop all the stop sign runners going across Highway 138.

      Metro, the County, and Cal Trans are already deciding whether to expand 138 or not. http://www.metro.net/projects/nw138/

  7. Such a tragedy. Not only does the family have to live with devastation, but the driver of the truck as well. Though, as far as I know if you are 16 you are not supposed to be driving a car with a passenger under the age of 25 (the passenger also has to have his or her license). Such a shame. My thoughts are with all three of the family’s during this time.

  8. I’m so sorry for this loss. I hope the parents can find a way to get thru this. My prayers are with you.

  9. “Two teenagers died after driving through a stop sign”
    … everything else is self explanatory.

  10. RIP to those two boys, this is tragic. All we can do is pray for their families. It is sad. So this wasn’t a 4 way stop? What if the boys did stop and the truck was actually at fault or speeding too quick? To get pushed off into the desert while “attempting to stop” must mean the truck was going pretty fast. Yes I know it takes longer for a big rig to come to a stop but who knows? The boys can not tell their side of the story. No use putting blame on the kids and that they have no driving experience this is a tragedy.

    • Most definitely wasn’t a 4-way stop. I don’t believe there are ANY 4-way stops on SR-138 West of the 14 Freeway.

    • The boys obviously ran the stop sign. Was the driver unable to calculate the speed the big rig was traveling and misjudged the distance, or was the driver just cruising and did not attempt to even stop??? are there skid marks on the northbound side of 60th W like they tried to stop? Highway 138 is exactly that, a highway and the speed limit for the big rig is up to 60 mph. We will never know. But whatever the answer, the families of these two young people will grieve. It’s such a shame when this happens, but young drivers must be taught more responsibility behind the wheel as it isn’t just their lives in jeopardy. RIP boys. Possibly your mistake will help your friends become better drivers.

    • I’m sure the CHiP will do their investigation and determine what happened. Anyone who lives in this area knows there are no stop signs on Ave D / 138 between the 14 & Interstate 5. The speed limit is 55 through most of this but we all know most drivers are moving faster than that.
      There have been too many accidents on our local roads where a driver either failed to stop or rolled through a stop. Let’s use this as a reminder to pay attention as we come up to all intersections, whether you have the right of way or not. When we have disagreements in intersections, no one wins…
      Prayers to all those involved in this accident.

    • 138 is a highway 55 m.p.h. but traffic seems to travel at 60 to 70 its a 30 mile straight stretch of road the cross streets have stop signs and there are at least 12 or more cross streets. I use to drive it everyday for 3 years you just had to watch for any car approach ing from any side road and think it might not stop…cover your breaks when approaching any intersection out there.

  11. Unfortunate, that’s what happens when you give young people to much freedom, a vehicle and no driving experience. Very sad situation.

    • That’s the answer, take away (more) of our freedoms and only allow experienced drivers to drive.

      • Driving a 2 ton moving piece of heavy metal and plastic is not a freedom. It is a privilege and a responsibility.

        It is sad that these two young individuals lost their lives. It is also sad for the driver of the rig, how will this affect his psyche.

  13. Does it really matter that what the boys should or shouldn’t have done? Two children are dead, a man is so traumatized he may be unable to do his job and support his family. All because of an ( accident), from what I can tell of the story and the photo there was nothing the semi driver could have done to avoid these deaths. People’s lives are changed in the blink of an eye. Rest in peace boys, and prayers of comfort for the families, the driver and his family and the first responders.

  14. Mike, so sorry for your loss. We at CTF cannot even imagine what you are going through. Such a tragic loss, and two families left grieving…

  15. if they were both sixteen is it not illegal for the driver to have a passenger . RIP

  16. Since when is 60th West and 138 considered Palmdale?????? I lived there 40 years and as far as I know, it’ s always been Lancaster.

    • It’s neither Palmdale or Lancaster. It’s an unincorporated county area close to the cities. Why is this important to you when 2 young boys are dead???!!!

    • Really? That’s all you can think of, after having read this article? That they mislabeled Lancaster as Palmdale?????????????????? Speaks volumes about you….

    • Who really cares what they are calling the area 2 young teenagers are dead! Praying for all involved in this tragedy.

    • The Lord’s comfort needed for the pain from this tragedy is extremely more important than a location correction. Besides, I do not recall reading any reference to the crash site being in Palmdale or Lancaster unless it was an inadvertent oversight on my part.

  17. What a tragic accident. 2 young men gone in a heartbeat. RIP John and Christopher. All our prayers to their family & friends.
    Remember to give your kids a hug.