Accidents Reported in Southern California

Car Accident on Interstate 5 Kills Marine Near Los Angeles

A U.S. Marine and 2006 graduate of Mansfield High School died as a result of a car accident that happened near Fort Tejon, just north of the Los Angeles area. The incident took place at approximately 3:00 PM on Friday afternoon, September 18, 2009.

The driver, 21-year-old Marine Pfc. Derick D. Ruggles, of Mansfield, was traveling along Interstate 5 in excess speeds of 100 mph when the crash took place. According to California State Troopers, Ruggles lost control of his 2004 Toyota Celica, striking the center divider. The impact from the divider caused his car to careen through a metal fence, hit a light pole and finally roll over, killing Ruggles.

Ruggles enlisted with the Marines in 2007 where he served nine months in Afghanistan as a digital transmission equipment operator. According to his father, he had approximately 18 months left to serve. Ruggles, who was born in Phoenix, Arizona, planned on returning to the Los Angeles area in Mansfield.

According to police, Ruggles was wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash, however, he was pronounced dead at the scene. Alcohol was not believed to be a factor in the accident. The fatal crash is still under investigation by local authorities. There were no other passengers traveling in the car at the time of the accident.

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