Scarlett Medel, 29, Identified as Victim in Fatal Crash While En Route to Pick Up Son from School

HESPERIA, Calif. (VVNG.com) – The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department has identified the victim of a tragic two-vehicle crash that occurred on Wednesday, December 18, 2024, in Hesperia.

Scarlett Medel, a 29-year-old resident of the city and a mother, was found unresponsive in her black 2004 Honda Accord after the collision, the department confirmed. The incident took place at approximately 1:52 p.m.



at the intersection of Cottonwood Avenue and El Centro Street. Preliminary investigations revealed that Medel was traveling east on El Centro Street and had stopped at the stop sign before entering the intersection. A 62-year-old male resident of Hesperia was driving a silver 2008 Mazda 3 south on Cottonwood Avenue, where there is no stop sign.

As Medel proceeded into the intersection, her vehicle was struck on the driver’s side by the Mazda in a broadside collision. Emergency personnel from the San Bernardino County Fire Department swiftly transported her to a local hospital, where she was pronounced deceased. Jennifer Najera, Medel’s aunt, shared the heartbreaking news on Wednesday, stating, “My niece was killed in this accident today in the black Honda.

She was on her way to pick up her son from school but never made it.” According to Medel’s Facebook profile, she went to San Bernardino High, before moving to Hesperia and attending Hesperia High School. Authorities confirmed that drugs, alcohol, and speed do not appear to have contributed to the collision.

The intersection was closed for several hours as deputies from the Hesperia Major Accident Investigation Team (MAIT) processed the scene. Investigators are appealing to anyone who may have witnessed the crash to contact Deputy E. Harrison or Sergeant B.

Motley at the Hesperia Sheriff’s Station at (760)..