Stockton, CA – On the evening of Sunday, October 19, 2025, a collision between a car and a big rig claimed the life of CHP cadet Pete Steve Lopez Pelaez, 24, according to ABC10, with additional reporting from CHP Fatal.
The California Highway Patrol reports that the crash occurred just before 10:00 PM along northbound Interstate 5 at Benjamin Holt Drive.
Investigators said Pelaez was driving a 2021 Honda Civic in the number two lane at approximately 70 mph when he approached a big rig stopped in traffic near a construction zone.
For reasons that remain under investigation, he collided with the rear of the big rig. The impact caused the car to become lodged beneath the trailer.
Emergency responders arrived to find Pelaez unresponsive with major head trauma. Despite prompt medical attention, he was pronounced dead at the scene. The collision blocked multiple lanes for several hours as crews worked to remove the damaged vehicle from beneath the truck.
Authorities confirmed that Pelaez was a cadet with the California Highway Patrol and was only weeks away from graduating from the academy. Officials said the cause of the crash remains under investigation.
Ongoing Investigations
Victims of traffic accidents and their families should be aware that authorities may fail to note or even misinterpret critical evidence at a crash site. One of the services that a Personal Injury Attorney can provide is to pursue follow-up investigations, which can reveal additional evidence to correct any errors made by previous investigators.
Wrongful Death Claims & Comparative Negligence
Determining fault in a collision can involve multiple factors, and under California’s Comparative Negligence rule, several parties can share partial responsibility.
Should someone else be found even partly responsible for the death, the family may be able to file a Wrongful Death claim against the at-fault driver’s insurance. This can provide compensation to help cover medical bills, funeral expenses, and the loss of income to support the family of the deceased.
Stockton Car Accident Lawyer
If you or someone you love was harmed in an accident like the one described here, contact a Stockton Car Accident Lawyer for any questions or to receive a no-cost, no-obligation case assessment.
