The Antelope Valley Times

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2 killed, 1 injured in Palmdale traffic crash

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The two-vehicle crash happened around 5:10 p.m. Friday, Feb. 19, on Avenue R at Lasker Avenue. [Photo by LUIS MEZA]
The two-vehicle crash happened around 5:10 p.m. Friday, Feb. 19, on Avenue R at Lasker Avenue. [Photo by LUIS MEZA]
PALMDALE – A driver and his passenger died and another driver sustained injuries in a broadside collision in Palmdale Friday afternoon, authorities said.

The two-vehicle crash happened around 5:10 p.m. Friday, Feb. 19, on Avenue R at Lasker Avenue, according to a news release from the Palmdale Sheriff’s Station.

A Palmdale man was driving a Toyota Camry westbound on Avenue R when he initiated a U-turn in front of a Buick, according to the news release.

The Camry's driver, 19-year-old Cruz Flores, and passenger, 16-year-old Jesus Flores, were pronounced dead at the scene. [LUIS MEZA]
The Camry’s driver, 19-year-old Cruz Flores, and passenger, 16-year-old Jesus Flores, were pronounced dead at the scene. [LUIS MEZA]
“The Buick broadsided the Toyota Camry on the driver’s side of the vehicle,” the news release states. “The driver and the passenger in the Toyota Camry were pronounced dead at the scene by [the] Los Angeles County Fire Department.”

They were identified as 19-year-old Cruz Flores and 16-year-old Jesus Flores, both of Palmdale, according to the Los Angeles County Coroner’s Office.

The Buick’s driver, a 23-year-old Palmdale man, was transported to Antelope Valley Hospital with a broken femur, according to the Palmdale Sheriff’s Station news release.

Neither alcohol nor drugs were factors in the collision.

Avenue R, between 15th and 17th Street East, was closed for about five hours to allow for the investigation.

Anyone with information regarding this traffic collision is encouraged to call Palmdale Station’s Traffic Department at 661-272-2400.

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Editor’s note: The Palmdale Sheriff’s Station news release states that the deceased driver was 23 and his passenger was 17. This is incorrect, according to the coroner’s office, which gave the ages as 19 and 16.

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Filed Under: Palmdale

101 comments for "2 killed, 1 injured in Palmdale traffic crash"

  1. My sincere and deepest sympathies to the loved ones of these angels now. I’m so very sad for your loss.

  2. My deepest condolence and prayers for the mother and family of the young boys, Cruz was a great dancer he came out to my daughter’s 15, five years ago and performed a dance for her. May they both rest in peace. As a newly bereaved parent myself I can understand the pain this mother is going thru. God bless

  3. Im very close to the drive of the Buick, his child was in the car when this happened. He’s so very hurt and sends his condolences to the family. No one wants to lose a love one but people were seen video taping instead of helping or calling for help. It took 45mins for the ambulance to arrive. I think someone could have been saved if there was a faster response!

  4. I am super glad to have meet this wondereful person at work. Even though we were barely getting to know each other I already knew he was a cery special person.what I remeber most about how great of a dancer he was. I love his kind spirit and the way he was always so happy to greet every new customer that got there. I know that he and his brother are in a better place. He will grately missed and will be forever in our hearts and mined

  6. Hello we are hosting a HUGE yard sale we encourage the community to come out and make a purchase or donate. All donations are welcomed. We will have a taco vendor, funnel cakes,cotton candy, drinks and much, much more please come and support the Cruz and Jessie fund. That you all for the love and support. We need to raise lots more to reach our goal.
    Thank you all again for your support.

    3626 Waterford court palmdale ca

    • My apologies yard sale will be held February 27 at 7 am till we sell out and possibly sunday at 9 am if all items are not sold the day prior thank you once again

  7. I am sorry for your loss. I heard the news today in class…Cruz was in my group for our group project at csula. The time that I got to know him was great. He was smart and took the initiative to get things done. You will be missed Cruz!!! RIP

  8. My condolences go out to the family, friends and loved ones of these two young men, also out to the other driver. May he recover well.

  9. My Prayers go out to these boys family, they were such great boys. May god give the strength to you Momma , and the family que en paz descansen angelitos de dios.

  10. OMG… Jesse was my student for freshman English. A beautiful soul. As others stated Jesse was the one who stepped up to go first. He loved to make others laugh and lightning their hearts. His lovely smile is ingrained in my memories forever more. Jesse was so in tune to others heart-break, especially for me. When I returned to work after the death of my son, last March 19th. Jesse was one of first students at my side offering such comforting words to me. Trying to reassure me things would be ok. I love and care for him so much. And now what breaks my heart even moreso— I ran into Jesse on Friday and we spoke for about 10 – 15 minutes. Catching up on life, school (he asked how I was doing with my grief) and we spoke of swimming. Jesse was so excited swim season was starting soon. He loved his sport. How I wish we would have spoken for a longer time, but I had to get to class. Only to find out, Saturday am he and his brother passed away in a horrific car accident. My heart, my prayers, my everything goes out to Jesse’s family. A parent should never lose a child. RIP Jesse and Cruz Sleep with the Angels.

      • I wanted to give my condolences to the family and my prayers to the family I know is very hard .My son Michael Angel Zavala and his best friend Rony Die last February 27 now is been a year And I can’t have peace I miss my son .I know the pain But for you is double the pain I am so sorry .someone gave the mothers cell# I try calling but no answer .I will keep calling god bless you and your family ..I pray to God to give us the strength and peace .And I know for sure there in a better place .Can you read this message to the parents of the boys please God bless everyone. **** DJ ENVY

    • So sorry for this family loss. I didn’t know them but it makes me feel so sad. And wow, ms. Cobb, I had you as my teacher way back when you taught at lhs. You were my favorite, and i have witnessed you lose so many of your students! You are a great teacher and really connect with your students.

  11. I don’t know any of the family involved in this horrific accident. My heart and prayers are with all of you. I am a mother, grandmother and great grandmother and I can’t begin to imagine your pain. I lost my husband suddenly in a car accident. My pain was unbearable but God is good and he helps us to survive such an unspeakable loss. And to “S” and all the other heartless jerks who do not have enough compassion to sympathize with this family remember, you get what you give. We may be reading about someone you love someday

  12. Sad for everyone involved rip to the two who passed and bad remarks should be kept to yourself all family’s are hurting GOD BLESS ALL 3 OF THE Victims and all the fams.

  13. My deepest condolences to the Flores family. Cruz and Jessie had such beautiful souls, i’ll miss them so much. Such a tragic to see them go so young. I will surely miss my
    swim buddies. Love you guys RIP.

  14. They are standing in the yard where my wife and I lived for 10 years. That entire section of avenue R is a racetrack.
    We have seen animals killed, people killed, kids almost getting run over many times, right in front of that house.
    I used to complain to the city about the speed there and begged they would put a stop light at 15th and R.
    They told me no, so I insisted in lowering the speed limit, maybe some other type of traffic control and instead they raised the speed limit from 40 to 50.
    Yes, Palmdale is an F’d up city, run by morons

  15. Momma im sure you did a great jjob raising your boys and forever they will be in your heart. Ignore all those that fill their mouth with racism. Ignorant people still exist in these world. You be the proudest momma of your children. God keep you and strengthen you and your family. God bless you!

    • Well said 2 young life were taken , this is really sad I’m heart broken my condolences goes to the family. R.I.P boys

  17. Thats crazy man, I went to school with Cruz and I can’t believe I am reading this now. R.I.P bro you will forever be missed.

  18. I didn’t know him very long but Cruz was a bright soul. Hearing this news broke my heart and I couldn’t stop but thinking how smart and goofy he was. I was very shy when I first started working with my new team and Cruz kept pushing and pushing to get me out of my shell, he would eat lunch with me and always brighten up the room when he walked in. He made me comfortable to talk to him with ease and always gave me advice to do my best. When I screwed up he offered genuine reassurance and always calmed me down. Work won’t be the same without you, and it makes me laugh thinking how I picked on his curly hair and he picked on my height. It wasn’t long but I thank the Lord for allowing me to cross paths with him, because I noticed how smart and silly he was. He did everything with great effort from what I saw and at the same time enjoyed it. I cannot express how much Heaven gained not one but two Angels. I won’t ever forget your genuine kindness Cruz and I pray his family be given strength in this time of need. Again it wasn’t long but I couldn’t have acknowledged how kind and goofy he was.

  21. I wish that everytime I read this article it wasn’t your guys name up there I love you two so much It’s not fair for my cousins to be taken so soon it’s just not fair. I love you and I miss you so much already.

  22. This is tragic and my heart aches for the entire family of the boys. Any plans for a fund to aid in the funeral expenses? I’m sure people in our AV community will be willing to help

  23. All you hate mongers and critics of the victims are out of place. Have some pity on all the victims, including the families left behind, mourning their losses. Instead, how about saying something with kindness and sympathy?

    To the all the families of the young men killed in the crash, as well as the critically injured driver of the other car, please know there are some of us who have a heart, and while we may not know you personally, many of us have experienced this or a similar tragedy and have endured the grieving process just like you are and will. May you be strong.

  24. I’m not sure if Jesus was a former student of mine or not. I taught at Cactus and I know I had a Jesus in my class. It was a few years back.
    Funny thing about me, I really care about kids, and each and every one of my students who goes through my door’s threshold is precious.
    So having said that, here are two young lives lost in a tragic mishap. Neither driver started out their day thinking it would end as horrifically as it did. Cruz and Jesus (Jesse) are now gone, regardless of how it happened. And now there are many left behind to grieve, and this grief is unspeakable and indescribable.
    To those of you who are keenly affected by this tragedy, my sincere condolences. I wish somehow this grief didn’t exist in your lives.
    Tomorrow (Sunday) there will be a group of about 12 people praying for you. May the God of Peace and Comfort visit your broken hearts.

  25. The poor Mother. My heart breaks for you. May God’s peace shield you and bring some comfort to you, today and always. My sincerest condolences.

  26. This is a very tragic incident and negative comments are not necessary, are you seriously adults wtf who initiates comments like that about the death of teens smmfh

  27. These families have had 3 deaths within 11 days of each other all 3 being under 25 years old and all 3 being somebody’s children, have some respect on here.

  28. Im sorry for your loss momma i pray God sends you comfort and just know they our where we all aim to be….with our Lord ..to die here on earth is to gain in Christ ..Philipians 1:21
    God bless you

  29. My condolences to you and all your family Momma Cruz. Cruz was such a great young man. Positive energy was all I knew from him. Dancing, singing, rapping, laughing, smiling. He was genuinely one of the nicest person anybody could have met. Very bright individual. He loved you very much. Although I only knew him for a few months through work, he made a big impact in my life, as well as others. Our friendship was growing stronger and stronger over these past weeks, he was becoming a bestfriend of mine. He still is. He will be missed, and never forgotten.

    “Oh If I crash, oh if I crash

    Or if I land, no matter the case
    
I’m all smiles, I’m all smiles

    I’ve traveled for miles, miles and miles

    For the love in the core, love in the core
.” – Kid Cudi

    This reminds me of Cruz’s positive atittude. No matter what, he would keep his head up and keep doing his thing, and with a smile.

    Much love for you Cruzy Cruz. You are in a better place, may you and your brother rest in peace.

  30. I am devastated to hear this. Jesus had such a bright spirit, always smiling, always telling jokes. Truly a great friend that I will carry in my heart. May the Flores brothers rest in peace, you boys will forever be missed/remembered.

  31. I still can’t believe this happened I don’t know what to say about this it was too soon for hem to go, they didn’t deserve this omg. My respect and love goes to the family. R.I.P my beloved friends Cruz and Jesus❤️

  32. I still can’t believe it. I’m super shocked.. anyone who is just here being a troll needs to please back down and step aside and let people that actually knew and cared for these two men talk. I know Cruz he was my coworker and there are no words that can express what I feel. My thoughts and condolences go out to his family. Cruzy was a smart young man.. may he rest in peace.

  34. I cant even imagine what the families are going through. God bless everyone involved, may these young boys R.I.P, Im so sorry for the families loss.

  36. My heart and soul is absolutely devastated for all the parties involved! My thought and prayers are extended at this time. No mother should have to suffer the loss of a child let alone two at once! May God give her and her family strength, peace and serenity to get through this tragedy. RIP. Hope the other person injured heals quickly.

  37. Great people and so full of life. They were both great teammates and great friends, I’m really sorry for your loss. They impacted so many people, it’s unbelievable.

  38. If he’s making a U turn how does he get hit on the drivers side? U turn would put the passenger side towards oncoming traffic.

    • If both drivers are westbound, the Buick in the #1 lane and the Camry in the #2 lane, the Camry making the U-turn would then be crossing into the #1 lane in front of the Buick therefore getting hit on the driver’s side.

      • I was also thinking that as a strong possibility. One thing a few other stories mentioned was that they didn’t know who was driving. Now I don’t know, but that may suggest that they were not wearing seat belts. It would also help explain why the passenger was struck from the drivers side. Nonetheless, this was a devastating accident for 2 young boys and their families.

  39. My daughter just found that it was Jesse. They hang all last year. She going to miss him alot. It just sad how all this happen. May their soul rest in peace in heaven and join our lord in paraise.

  40. Our hearts ache for these families. We do not know any parties involved however the story seems to express two youths involved in a tragedy and another 23 year old injured. Very sad hearing a story like this. It was good to hear drugs or alcohol was not related. Prayers for both families in this time of need. I am sure the other driver suffers physically and emotionally as well stay strong. This community will continue Praying for all involved.

  41. Heavenly Father we lift the family and friends up to you to give them peace in knowing there with you. Amen

  42. I am so sorry to all involved especially the momma! If there is anything I can do to help let me know

  45. I will always remember how Jesus impacted the class with his laughter and his jokes. Yesterday, we had to go up in groups in front of the class and speak Spanish and he was the first one to volunteer his group and everyone was laughing because his group knew what to say except for him. He just stood there trying to say something in Spanish but he ended up laughing and making the class laugh as well. I remember he was so competitive that I always lost to him in the class games in front of the class and I was always so mad because I could never beat him haha. He would always get in my friends conversations and give his opinion and funny jokes because my friends were right next to them and every morning I would go where he sat. I did meet Cruz once when I was in the 7th grade at my church activity so I don’t have a lot of memories with him, but what I do remember was that he was so nice to my sister and I. These two guys were great guys and I’m sad to hear them go. I will miss them both and their smiling faces.

  46. My deepest condolences go out to you momma and the family.. It was sad seeing the aftermath of a tragic accident.. Nothing anyone can say will heal your heart at this time. But I am truly praying that God gives you and your family strength at this time.

  48. This is very unfortunate but I see this way too often in the A.V. people people making their turns right in front of oncoming traffic. Whether it is a u turn into the opposite flow of traffic, turning into the flow of traffic, or turning in front of oncoming traffic… heck, it is always a specific group of people too. In fact, when they make a right turn, they pull their car all the way into the left lane and on a left turn, pull their car all the way into the right lane… it is infuriating! There would be less death and injury if people would start driving defensively, being patient, and using common sense!

    • There’s a time and a place for every comment. Have some respect. Cruz was my co-worker and he was a very intelligent person. You weren’t there so who are you to talk.

    • Shame on you for posting this on a page where the family sees and is clearly crushed by their loss. There is a time and place for everything and this wasn’t either. You negated your “this is very unfortunate” comment by the remainder of your comment. Two young men who were good kids and much loved have had their lives lost way too soon.

    • Have some respect. Your ignorance is not needed at this time. A mother just lost her two sons. So unless you are giving your condolences, go take your remarks somewhere else.

    • These were very smart boys that come from a very good family. One college student at CSUN and the other Honor Roll in High School. This was a terrible accident. Keep your negative comments to yourself. All that should be done here is to offer condolences to their mother and family that are in such terrible pain

      • You obviously can’t read. The Buick collided with his car on the driver side of the vehicle. Anyone can post over the Internet behind a single letter.

        • If he was making a u turn and got hit on the driver side, he must have been making it from the right shoulder.

      • You’re evil. God bless you with the wisdom to discern the proper outlets for your rude remarks. Smart people have accidents too. This is why we call them accidents. Smart people also say the wrong thing at the wrong times on occasion, so there is indeed hope for you.

      • Those are my brother’s children.. how do you sleep at night? It is so easy to hide behind a screen a make snide remarks ‘s’

      • I hope to God that YOU never lose a family member or a close friend like how this family had. YOU ARE ONE CRUEL AND HEARTLESS person!! Hiding behind a computer screen saying these things is a chicken [removed] way of doing it. Try saying this to a family members face!! I hope you rot in hell when it’s your time to go!!!!

        Bash me as I don’t care as I’m a grown adult, a parent of two girls 21 and 15 and have feelings for this family for the loss of their children. I can take it so go on!! You worthless piece of crap!

    • I agree with the other replies…have some respect and get off your high horse. Accidents happen. Prayers to the family. No one should have to bury their babies.

    • Who are you to sit here as judge people you don’t know? Who are you to tell how there driving was? They were great people ones that were loved dearly and here you go. You need took somewhere really bye no one needs negativity. You

    • What if they were you’re kids would you still post such a thing? And don’t reply with something ignorant either like “my kids are smart enough not to”, could’ve happened to anybody. Show some respect and educate yourself please.

    • So true Tim Graham. The people denying this are obviously the rest of the bad drivers in Palmdale/Lancaster

    • It’s true whether you like it or not..we hear emergency vehicles every 30 min where I live and it’s on a busy hwy…we have noticed drivers who pull out in front of other drivers without looking twice trying to beat the other oncoming car or drivers who run stop signs don’t yield or speed to a RED traffic light…or bounce from the right lane merging in incoming traffic very fast to beat other cars to make that left turn and visa versa.

      My condolences to the family I hope that our younger drivers will be patient and make good judgements when driving and be careful….bc you have to watch for yourself and other drivers.

  49. Jessie and Cruz were amazing swimmers for palmdale and just amazing people. Jessie i knew more as i swam with him since freshmen year and always was in his lane. Both very positive good people and should be remembered at that. I am so hurt and still are crying about this. They were 2 brothers and 2 swimmers that palmdale lost. Jessie was like a brother to me i will always miss him. Swim on Jessie, Swim on

    • Thomas, I am so sorry for your loss. You know where to find me if you need someone to talk to.
      Mrs. Calzada

  51. If you don’t have anything nice to say please don’t say it. I lost my kids and they were good kids. They helped everyone they met even when it was hard they would

    • Cousin so sorry my heart hurts for all of you. When ever I saw the boys they greeted me with hugs and respect, they will always be in my heart. Rest in peace Cruz and Jesse. Love you cousin and the whole family

    • My prayers being said for your family in this hard time and our children that all knew your sons on his swim team! They were truly great boys, Jesse inspired my daughter each and everyday. God Bless you!

    • My deepest condolences for your tragic loss. You will continually be in my thoughts and prayers. Cherish all the wonderful memories with your precious young men. Don’t let any negative comments cloud those memories. I know that as a mother my heart aches for you and your loss. God bless you through this trying time and help you to get through each day.

    • I don’t know if you remember me, Nicole Ramos, but I am so incredibly sorry to hear about your boys. they were both so amazing and we’re just incredible. I pray that you, your husband, and your children will stick together and overcome this horrible tragedy to hit your family.

    • I am so very sorry for your losses If there is anything I can do to help you in any way let me know.

    • Angles living in the bones of humans… May they soar as the Eagle… Matt their hearts rejoice for the are now in Love, by Love all they shall know is Love… Their physical life is over.. May their wings soar to a new level of love… I am so very sorry for your loss… May you find peace in your heart… They shall be missed by all who knew them… Amen @

    • Dear Momma, I want you to know that my children will miss Jessie, he was in my one of my daughter’s spanish class and he swam with my other daughter. He was a bright light, full of jokes that made no sense (as my girls said) but had them laughing and he always was smiling. My kids and the swim team will miss him dearly and they’re crushed and heart broken. They have put pictures up on facebook to remember him.

      • Dear Ms. Flores, my heart is breaking for you and your family and my prayers are with you. Cruz and Jessue were fine young men I was blessed to have spent a little time with each, Cruz and my sin Jarred were great friends. Please know you raised two amazing young men. All my prayers!

    • Im sorry for your loss momma. May god help you find the strength you need. Don’t listen to the imbeciles who judge without knowing. I did not have the pleasure to meet your boys butany person with a heart can feel your pain.