The fatality occurred about 2:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 17, on the southbound side of the freeway near Placerita Canyon Road, the California Highway Patrol reported.
Paul Begay, 59, of Lancaster died at the scene, said coroner’s Assistant Chief Ed Winter.
According to the CHP, the wheel came off a northbound white Cadillac and struck Begay’s Hyundai Sonata. He was the Hyundai’s sole occupant, the CHP reported.
“The tire struck the front windshield and struck the driver, causing fatal injuries,” a CHP statement said.
The carpool lane and three left main lanes on the southbound side of the freeway were closed and a SigAlert was issued. All northbound lanes were also closed for a short time as officers searched the roadway.
All lanes were reopened by 5 p.m., May 17, according to the CHP.
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UPDATE: An gofundme account has been established to help cover Begay’s funeral service and expenses. To donate to this effort, visit: https://www.gofundme.com/funeral-expenses-for-paul-begay
Blizzard W. says
May the Begays’s family find comfort and be strengthened in the promise of our Almighty Heavenly Father in Isaiah 25: 8 He will swallow up death forever, And the Sovereign Lord Jehovah will wipe away the tears from all faces. https://www.jw.org/en/publications/books/?contentLanguageFilter=en&pubFilter=we&sortBy=1
Jim Scimonetti says
This freak-accident is so sad. It is just awful. I have been bothered by this ever since I saw the wreck on the other side of the freeway as I was heading north. As soon as I saw that old Cadillac on the side of the road with the left front wheel missing I knew instantly what happened. When a wheel comes off a car or truck on the freeway, the tires bounce in all directions like a football. There is no way to avoid it or get out of it’s way. This is just horrible.
I have been so curious about this story. I sincerely want to thank the person who reported it for the good job of reporting the details of what happened and to whom..and especially for posting the GoFundMe link. That was very nice of you.
Rego says
Was this guy operating with one or two studs ? Investigation should determine If this guy justs walks. Remember a death occurred tires just don’t randomly fly around or a lot of people might question driving any where. Get to work MR. DA
Miffed American says
I pray it was instant and he felt no pain or distress. God rest his soul.
Fernando Lira says
May he rest in peace, I had the honor to be his former neighbor and I know he was a good man.
Michael a otnisky says
So sorry..
maria says
A few years ago i was on the same freeway by santa Clarita when my left front tire came off and hit another car. Thank God the other driver didnt get hurt. In my case it was the mechanic’s fault but it is our responsibility as drivers to check our cars. This tragedy could’ve been preventable.
Jim Scimonetti says
I totally agree with you Maria.
Just because you had your car serviced by a “professional” mechanic, it doesn’t mean you don’t check it out (again) and inspect the work for yourself. Just ask anyone who had an oil change and the guy left the drain plug loose (or better, totally forgot you put oil on the engine). Mechanics screw up and forget things too, but it always comes down to it being the drivers responsibility to run a safe car down the road.
It amazes me to see all the cars in the AV with burned out stop lights, tail lights, and low tire pressure. A lot of people are not walking around their cars and checking things out.
Gaby says
:( That could have been my Dad. May God give his family strength. :'( So sorry for your loss.
crystal says
condolences to the family. this almost happened to my son and I while commuting to santa clarita on sierra hwy. one of the wheels came off an 18 wheeler and a huge tire came barreling towards us. I swerved out of the way, thank god, but the grade of the hill we were going up kept the momentum of that tire going for a while. god bless.
Lancaster resident says
God has called you home R.I.P . May your family feel the arms of the Lord around them in this time of need and let them feel your presence and love .