PALMDALE – A man driving a pickup truck was killed early Thursday morning in a crash involving a big rig on the southbound Antelope Valley (14) Freeway in Palmdale, authorities said.
Leonard Mompeller, 35, died at the scene of the crash, which happened around 2:55 a.m. Thursday, March 5, on the 14 Freeway near Avenue O, according to the California Highway Patrol.
According to the CHP, Mompeller’s GMC pickup rear-ended the big rig and stopped in the No. 3 lane. The big rig kept going.
The impact ripped the bumper from the rear of the trailer of the semi, and authorities were on the lookout for a big rig with major rear-end damage, the CHP said. Two lanes were blocked until about 6:15 a.m. while an investigation was conducted.
“Excessive speed may be a contributing factor for the cause of this collision; however, a thorough investigation is on-going,” a CHP report states.
Anyone with information on this crash is encouraged to call the CHP Antelope Valley Area office at 661-948-8541.
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Common Sense says
Driving fast (speeding) crashed into the back of a truck, killed himself. What kind of further investigation is needed?
Fatal Crash says
“According to the CHP, Mompeller’s GMC pickup rear-ended the big rig…”
Distracted driving.
EXAV says
I don’t know why people always chime in with comments about DUI. The majority of all car accidents involve sober drivers.
Jc says
Not a DUI, he worked nights, he was on his way home. Fell asleep most likely.
Crash says
DUI.