LANCASTER – A driver and his 16-year-old female passenger died Wednesday after the driver ran a red light and crashed into another vehicle at a Lancaster intersection, authorities said.
It happened around 2:10 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 14, on Avenue H and 30th Street West.
The driver was in a Toyota Camry traveling eastbound on Avenue H when he collided with a Chevrolet Silverado that was traveling southbound on 30th Street West, according to a news release by the Lancaster Sheriff’s Station.
“According to witnesses, the male adult driving the Toyota Camry failed to stop at the red traffic signal and collided into the Chevrolet Silverado in the intersection. The male adult in the Toyota Camry was pronounced dead at the scene by responding paramedics and a female 16-year-old passenger from the Toyota Camry was transported to the hospital, where she was later pronounced dead,” the news release states.
Their names have not yet been released pending next of kin notification. Authorities did not say what, if any, injuries were sustained by the driver of the Chevrolet Silverado.
“The cause of the collision is still being investigated. It is unknown if speed was a factor in the collision. The driver of the Chevrolet Silverado was determined to not be under the influence. It is unknown at this time if the driver of the Toyota Camry was under the influence of alcohol or drugs,” the sheriff’s news release states.
Anyone with information regarding this collision is encouraged to contact the traffic investigators at Lancaster Sheriff ‘s Station at 661-948-8466.
UPDATE: The deceased have been identified as 18-year-old Jeffery Austin (driver) and 16-year-old Emily Bailey (passenger), both from Lancaster, according to the Los Angeles County Coroner’s Office.
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roxanne says
This is tragic, my condolences to both families.
* Vicky (grandmother) and Julie and Ralph.
Mr. Villegas Luis says
My condolences to the family and friends of these young kid’s. Be aware of your surroundings and all flow of traffic coming and going at all times. A miscalculation of anyone driving can ignite an error in judgment on anyone else who may have been distracted. Phones, Loud music and conversation are also factors that can lose your attention from your driving abilities. Stay focused, vigilant and attentive as you commute to your destination. A life is giving once so cherish, respect and love it with dignity, my prayers go out to the family of these young people.
Roger says
I think if I were a parent these days, I would put a tracking device in my kids car. And make them aware that I am watching them. You drive reckless you lose the privilege of driving for a while. You can monitor acceleration, speed, location. Maybe even put a dashcam in the car. If they had that tech when I was a teen, you best believe I wouldn’t have driven so recklessly.
Redacted says
Thank you very much
RedLightChallenge says
Officials reported that the driver of the Camry was DRT.
John says
Honestly I’ve notice everywhere in L.A county people have lost total respect of all driving laws. I am so sorry for the loss of those two souls accidents happen. But people please stay off your phones and stay focus on your surroundings. Until we all understand that every time you get on the road someone else’s life is at risk so care for everyone as though they are your family as well.
cindy rustuen says
I agree with you, many people don’t obey the laws.
Lisa says
Yes, please people cuz road rage show lack of respect to others is REAL. If u feel that call coming in is more important than life…..don’t drive. Stay off the phone and stay focused.
Diana Dykhoff says
My Daughter knew them. She is heartbroken and also knows the Mother. Please pray for the family. Such a sad situation. Two young souls that was taken way too soon. I pray for this family and I am sorry for their loss. ❤️
Diana Padilla Garcia says
Did they attend Lancaster High?
Bonnie Dougherty says
I came from Los Angeles to Antelope Valley.
Nobody pays attention to speed limits out here, and constantly passing other cars on the wrong side of the road. We need stricter speeding limits, and I frequently have trouble finding speed limit signs. What the heck, everybody drives like they are demonized, so why bother with signs anyhow.
Kevin says
Don’t need a sign to know 80-100 mph is breaking the speed limit. People just figure anything they can get away with is ok. Speeding, running lights, passing where not allowed, etc. Every one of those rules is in place for safety, and you may get away with it for a while, but eventually something like this happens.
If there are no stopping signs in front of and across the street from a school, it’s because it isn’t safe to stop there and drop off your children. But every day, people stopping on both sides, kids crossing in traffic, traffic behind those stopped having to cross lines to get around, Those stopping making mid street u-turns before or after the kids get out, etc.
An officer could give warnings for a few days, and still would be able to write citations non-stop all morning and afternoon all school year.
Terri says
Agreed everyday we’re hearing so many accidents and deaths my they RIP , my deepest condolences to the family’s …. People these are someone’s babies
Bob says
It makes no difference what the speed limit is set, a lot of drivers in the AV don’t respect the limits anyway. Adults should know better, kids should be taught respect for other drivers.
Mamajo says
So sad to lose a life . I see the speed laws broken everyday. I have a grandson is planning on getting his license and frankly it scares me. You have to be very defensive in driving.
Name name name says
this was a tragedy i hope everyone takes this as a lesson to drive safely, Be aware that life can be short don’t be reckless. Rest in Peace Emily…
Deonne says
We need to slow down and be courteous and I Believe the speed out here is too fast it should be 35 45 mph law need to change I’m tired of all these tragic accident the speed limit it’s honestly too fast
Collision says
This could have been easily avoided.
Paul says
Rest In Peace Jeffery and Emily
Alex'zander says
The girls name was Emily Bailey. I was friends with her since elementary. Its difficult to lose people, but when it’s in lancaster..you don’t know what to really expect.
Nicole says
We need better oversight on our roads. There are just too many accidents here in AV.
ExAV says
What is it with people blasting through stop signs the middle of the day? Open your eyes, learn how to drive and get off your damn phone.
Manny says
EVERY DAY, IT DOESN’T FAIL…
SPEEDING RECKLESS DRIVERS… MAY GOD HAVE MY SOUL WHEN SOME MANIAC ENDS MY LIFE TRIP……
Redacted says
They were just kids, not “maniacs”. This was a terrible, tragic accident. My sister lost her child today… Please be more respectful.
Pc says
Guess he wasn’t raised to respect life
name name name says
be polite those are someone’s babies that died.
Christina says
Shut your disrespectful mouth you heartless pig! My son lost his best friend in this accident. Have some respect for the families that are going through this really hard time! They were good kids who many will miss dearly.
Family says
I couldn’t have said it better to my little cousin Emily I know you’re looking down on everyone fly with the angels little one
C.Rios says
People have died here and that’s horrible. If I may point out, it appears that it was all caused by an 18 yr old male who at very least ran a red light. Bad driving, and or speeding aside is & long has been a big problem for many 16 to 20 yr old males. Ask any insurance agent. So to say that “…they weren’t raised to respect life…” I guess means, neither are alot of males at that age on the road? So people PLEASE be careful, and if you happen to have teenagers- please be extra vigilant about how your kids are driving! Kids make mistakes, hopefully not permanent ones, that also involve other families.
A friend of the family says
The Bullying Must Stop Now!!
That is not fair to say… people please stop judging others. We were all kids once. We were perfect? No we were not. This is heartbreaking for all. Please don’t make it any harder on the family and friends of these children.
Christina says
My condolences to your family. My son is devastated that he lost his closest friend in this tragic accident. I wish people had more respect and didn’t point fingers when they don’t even know the circumstances! My heart, prayers and thoughts are with both families.
Jennifer says
I’m so sorry for ppl jumping to conclusions! I’m sorry for your loss and would like to extend prayers to your family and friends of the victims!! Ppl need to do better and have sympathy and compassion again I’m so sorry
CyndiNG says
I am so sorry. We know Rochelle and her family. Our hearts are broken.
Jacque says
My thoughts and prayers go out to Miss Bailey’s family. Speed is a problem in AV. I learned that if you go the speed limit you hit all the lights green. I never was a speeder but used to go 15-20mph over. Now that gas is so expensive I go slow and just chill. One thing I noticed is that the speed limit signs are hard to find. We need maybe larger and more of them. I try to go speed limit but find myself looking for a speed limit sign frequently. You also save gas if you slow down. The sheriffs speed checks have been a success giving people tickets,if they go to court. The world has gone crazy. PLEASE SLOW DOWN IT SAVES LIVES!!!