The Antelope Valley Times

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Teen killed in head-on crash in Palmdale

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The crash occurred at 5:46 a.m. Saturday, May 20, on Sierra Highway just south of Avenue O in Palmdale, authorities said. [Photo by JOHN MEZA]
PALMDALE – A teen driver died Saturday morning after his vehicle swerved into the opposing lane and collided with another vehicle, authorities said.

Anthony Saavedra, 19, of Palmdale was pronounced dead at the scene of the collision, which occurred at 5:46 a.m. Saturday, May 20, on Sierra Highway just south of Avenue O in Palmdale, said coroner’s Assistant Chief Ed Winter.

[JOHN MEZA]
The teen was driving a 1998 Honda Accord northbound on Sierra Highway when he collided with a 2008 Toyota Yaris that was traveling southbound on Sierra Highway, according to Palmdale Sheriff’s Station Detective Boritz.

“Witnesses claim that the Honda Accord swerved in front of the Toyota Yaris,” Boritz said. “We’re still investigating how this occurred.”

The Toyota’s driver, a 49-year-old man, was transported to a local hospital for treatment. 

“At this point we have no information on [whether] drugs and alcohol were a factor,” Boritz said.

Anyone who witnessed this collision is encouraged to contact Palmdale Sheriff’s Station traffic detectives at 661-272-2400.

UPDATE: The Toyota’s driver is listed in critical condition, according to a news release from the Palmdale Sheriff’s Station.

UPDATE: An online fundraiser has been established to benefit Anthony Saavedra’s newborn daughter, who was born just a day after the fatal collision. To donate to this effort, visit: https://www.gofundme.com/3tae1pc

37 comments for "Teen killed in head-on crash in Palmdale"

  1. Father is the one that raised them for 13 years not the biological father. Know your facts before people start talking @justiciera. The kid was the one that hit straight on. The guy was also on his way to work going straight on his line he wasn’t the one that caused the accident. The detective clearly states it. The guy has been in the hospital for almost 3 months now without sitting up or standing or chewing. His suffering day in day out everyday, in physical and emotional pain. His life is changed forever because of a careless driver however it may be. At least the kid isn’t suffering and is resting in peace now. So have more RESPECT.

  2. Ok todo mundo manda sus condolencias ala familia del que en paz descanse imprudente conductor que según iva al trabajo y a su pobre esposa y su niña que nació un día después pero como sea ya no están sufriendo como yo mis hijas y mi esposo que lleva más de un mes en el hospital en condición crítica que el en verdad iva a su trabajo y que no creo que en cinco minutos de salir de tu casa se iva a quedar dormido por favor ya ni un niño cree eso

    • El tampoco iba atento al volante . Lo bueno q no tiene hijos sufriendo . Esas hijas no son de el . Q te pasa más respeto .

      • You should know your facts before you start talking because detectives clearly says it’s the kids fault .!

        • Hello. Can you tell me what you heard or know about the older man? What were people saying about him? I think I may know him. Why isn’t he identified? Thanks.

      • Father is the one that raised them for 13 years not the biological father. Plus he wasn’t the one that got into the wrong lane and caused the accident the detective clearly STATED it was the kids fault. so you should have more respect! His been in the hospital for almost 3 months now without standing or sitting up or chewing. He was in Critical condition for 40 and the rest still in the hospital without sitting or standing and thank god he made it. His suffering so if i was you I would know my facts before I open my mouth. YOU should be the one with MORE RESPECT!!! His suffering day in day out at least the kid is resting in peace now. I feel sorry for the baby and the family

    • Is he really YOUR husband? You and the rest of his immediate family continue to amaze me! If, he was going to die, there was another person who should have been notified!! At least, been given an opportunity to see him and amend the past. 40 days in critical condition and not one of you ignorant puds could get in touch with him? Your selfish choices make me sick! You reap what you sow! What’s pop and mom going to do now, without their “cash cow “?

  3. my prayers to both families . I feel for the baby girl that will never see her dad. tragic accident .

  4. QUE EN PAZ DESCANSE NUESTRO AMIGO Y COMPANERO DE TRAVAJO.. ANTHONY SAAVEDRA

  5. People are savages until it happens to them. May God Rest that young man’s soul. It’s not a crime to fall asleep at the wheel if that is what happened I myself have fallen victim to that exact same scenario I’m just glad I’m aliveTo throw my two cents in. God bless all the families that are involved. The GoFundMe is for his newborn baby girl don’t get things Twisted people she will never see or meet her daddy it would be nice if people could show some compassion instead of pointing the finger. He was on his way to work for Christ sakes it’s not like he was a 2 a.m. drunk driver

  6. People are so fast at pointing fingers when they know nothing yet they are acting like detectives. And av has nothing to do with people’s decisions so have respect for the family’s in pain.

  7. I missed this accident by only about 1 minute. Very well could of been me. Very sorry to hear he had a baby coming. He was to young to go. My thoughts are with both families

    • Who you calling a piece of [removed] ? You better watch your back. Watch your back when i see you.

    • Wow u should be careful with ur words u never know it could be ur family one day and u wouldn’t want people saying that about them smh have some respect for the family

  10. I seriously think its the managers fault of all security guards. This dude looks like he was speeding to work to make it on time at 6 am. I have more experience as a security guard along w driving and was barely able to maintain this job before quitting after being threatened to be fired for showing up late on the distance from palmdale to lancaster. The minimum wage keeps guards hungry and double shifts are always last minute things. No sleep, no time to eat, spending time w family no longer exists, and still havibg to wake up early to shower or to shave just to get to work late is pointless. Ive suggested new ideas on improving my performance but the manager says i talk too much then takes my ideas as his own. He just ignored me. Im mad because this couldve been me…

    • I’ve worked security almost 20 years, you are right. When I worked contract security, management’s expressed to me on many occasions that my co-workers and myself were lucky to have a job. No vacation, no benefits, no holidays off. If I needed a day off, I had to switch shifts with someone else, so over time wouldn’t occur. If they needed me to work extra hours, it was part of my commitment to them. I still work security. But no longer contract security, and it’s much better when you work for the company you’re protecting.

    • If he was speeding to get to work at 6 am, why couldn’t he have left earlier and not endangered himself and other people with reckless driving?

  12. AV Life…Karma is real, be respectful to the families, No one is invincible you included ….It’s a Tragic Loss point blank period.

  13. So sorry for the loss of this young man..19 yrs old such a Tragic loss.So,sorry for this precious baby who will never get to know her dad.
    Prayers going out to both families.
    Hopefully the other driver will recover…Prayer’s to his family as well!

  14. This is a tragedy, a horrific one, the 19 year old teenager on his way to work, has died. The other gentleman we don’t know yet but he is in critical condition. The very next day a baby girl is born that will never be her Daddy’s girl. Families are grieving. The “gofundme” is for the newborn baby girl. Let’s has some compassion people.

  15. People please pray for both families both are in such terrible pain one lost a son ,husband,brother and the other family may lose a husband,father,brother we don’t know God’s plan or why this happened .all we do know is that this baby will never no its daddy and that’s sad prayers of comfort and strength for both families.because we never know when either party could be our own.!!

    • Carefully with your words cause u are not immortal nor perfect so don’t let the door hit your a$$

      • So true Lilibelle ….. I don’t think AV life has anything to due with an accident

      • Law enforcement calls it a “TC” (Traffic Collision). All “accidents” are preventable.

        Sorry for your loss.

  17. Look how stupid you guys sound arguing over something besides the fact that 2 families are devastated over this outcome …..my heart feels for there loved ones..

  19. Reread the story fool… the go find me is for the deceased drivers ABOUT TO BE NEWBORN DAUGHTER! Dang I hate when people don’t read stuff and comment stupid stuff!

  20. the GoFundMe page be set up for the innocent driver not the guy. That is dead

    • Keeping it Classy in the AV. It’s not like a man is dead, and a newborn child is without a father or anything.