80-year-old deacons from Paradise Valley Seventh Adventist Church killed in fatal Christmas traffic accident

According to a local article from 10 News, Ruth and Jose Cortez were identified as a married couple who were killed after being involved in a car accident on I-5 Freeway near SR-76 on Christmas night while driving home from a party.

As mentioned in the report, the Cortezes were passengers in a car that was traveling home from a Christmas Party on Monday night at about 7:20 p.m. when they rear-ended a car that crashed prior to the fatal accident.

CHP officials reported that a vehicle crashed into several attenuator barrels along the 5 Freeway before reentering the highway, and getting into the path of the victims’ vehicle.

The driver of the rear-ended vehicle was pronounced dead after authorities arrived to respond to the fiery car wreck.  Additionally, a third vehicle was reportedly involved, said CHP.

Currently, the driver of the vehicle in which the Cortezes were occupants was also injured and was transported to Scripps La Jolla and is currently recovering.

Moreover, the investigation is ongoing and further information will be reported as investigators continue to look into the car wreck and determine whether there was alcohol or drugs involved in the accident.  Further information will be reported at a later time.

We of the May Firm extend our deepest condolences to the victims affected by this unfortunate traffic accident.  Our hearts sink upon hearing news of this accident and will keep the victims in our hearts and prayers.  

Drunk drivers put their own lives and the lives of others in severe jeopardy. In a split second, a drunk driving accident can dramatically change the lives of the victims and the lives of those who love them. The state of California has strict laws supporting the victims of drunk driving accidents. It is important to hire an experienced drunk driving accident attorney today, if you have recently been injured in a drunk driving accident. A California drunk driving accident lawyer at The May Firm will aggressively fight for your rights as the victim of a serious crime.