East County News Service
May 13, 2026 (El Cajon) – An 18-year-old El Cajon man is dead after a crash that occurred shortly at 12:20 a.m. on La Cresta Road, east of Ranch Gate Road in unincorporated El Cajon. He was driving a 2003 Ford Explorer that veered off the roadway and overturned, then rolled down an embankment and caught fire.
According to the California Highway Patrol, the driver of the Ford was extricated but succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased by medical personnel on scene. This is an ongoing investigation; it is unknown if drugs and/or alcohol were a factor in the crash.
“Safe roadway navigation requires constant attention and responsible driving decisions,” said Captain Monteagudo. “ Reduce your speed on curves and turns, remain focused behind the wheel, and always drive according to roadway and traffic conditions.”