On the afternoon in December, a 36-year-old farmworker was standing outside his vehicle on the shoulder of SR-33 (Maricopa Highway) near Soda Lake Road after his Honda Civic struck a raised curb and partially came to rest in the southbound lane. He and two passengers had exited the vehicle to inspect the tires. As he was preparing to re-enter the car, a southbound 2012 Western Star semi-truck and trailer struck both the vehicle and the man. He was pronounced deceased at the scene.

CHP determined the truck driver was traveling at an unsafe speed for the roadway and visibility conditions at the time of the collision. According to witness statements, the family had been returning home to Santa Maria from work at a mandarin grove in the Maricopa area when the initial road hazard forced them off the highway.

The victim was traveling with family members, including his wife, who witnessed the collision. Chain | Cohn | Clark is currently investigating this matter on behalf of the surviving family.