Tragic Early Morning Crash Kills Four Near Wrightwood

Key Takeaways

• Four people died and two were critically injured in a single-vehicle crash early Friday at the start of the Labor Day weekend.
• The accident occurred around 1:34 a.m. on Highway 2 (Angeles Crest Highway) between Wrightwood and Big Pines, near the eastern edge of the Angeles National Forest close to Mountain High Resort.
• A black 2016 Hyundai Veloster traveling eastbound carried six passengers, resulting in severe overcapacity and multiple ejections.
• Preliminary findings indicate alcohol is likely a contributing factor. While five occupants were ejected, preliminary CHP reports state that none of the occupants were wearing seat belts at the time of the collision.

A tragic early morning incident on Southern California mountain roads claimed four lives when a vehicle drove off a cliff and rolled into a meadow area near the Los Angeles-San Bernardino County line. The California Highway Patrol responded to the scene shortly after 1:34 a.m. on Friday, September 4, 2026, at the start of the Labor Day weekend, discovering a severely damaged black 2016 Hyundai Veloster involved in a rollover collision on the Angeles Crest Highway that also struck a power pole. Officials noted the car was traveling eastbound before departing the roadway near the eastern edge of the Angeles National Forest close to Mountain High Resort.

Details of the Fatal Collision

Authorities confirmed that the hatchback was carrying six passengers despite having a seating capacity of five. Emergency responders arrived to find that five of the six occupants were ejected from the wreckage upon impact, requiring crews to use 40 feet of cable to reach the victims. Tragically, four victims did not survive the crash. Preliminary CHP findings indicate that none of the occupants were wearing seat belts at the time of the collision. The deceased individuals, two men and two women believed to be in their 20s, were all part of the same group of friends. Two others remain hospitalized in critical condition after being transported to Arrowhead Regional Medical Center. CHP officials have not yet released full identities for all victims, but authorities have since identified three of the deceased: 21-year-old Rebeka Citlali Cabral Gonzalez, 19-year-old Jason Potter, and 20-year-old Nevaeh Harper, who died from blunt trauma. Investigators noted that the driver allowed the vehicle to veer to the right, depart the roadway, overturn, travel down the embankment, and collide with a power pole.

Investigation and Road Safety

The California Highway Patrol is leading the investigation into the exact cause of the crash. Initial reports indicate the vehicle struck a pole before coming to rest. Factors such as speed, weather conditions, and potential mechanical failure are being evaluated alongside the likely presence of alcohol. Mountain highways like Highway 2 present unique driving challenges due to sharp curves and elevation changes. Loved ones and family members gathered at the crash site throughout the morning to pay their respects. CHP logs show that multiple good Samaritans stopped at the scene to try to help before emergency crews fully secured the area. Anyone with information is urged to contact Officer F. Melgar of the CHP's Antelope Valley Area Office at (661) 743-6060. After business hours, calls should be directed to the CHP's Los Angeles Communications Center at (323) 259-3200.

Local Impact on San Bernardino County

This devastating accident has raised concerns among local residents regarding nighttime travel on remote mountain routes. Wrightwood and surrounding communities frequently see increased traffic during weekends and holiday periods. Law enforcement agencies often issue warnings about reduced visibility and sudden weather shifts on these corridors.

Historical Context

Highway 2 has a documented history of serious incidents due to its winding terrain and isolated stretches. Previous accidents on this route have prompted temporary road closures and safety reviews by state transportation officials. These events underscore the inherent risks of traveling through steep mountain passes during low-light hours.

Conclusion

As investigations continue, authorities are urging drivers to exercise extreme caution on mountain highways. Travelers should ensure their vehicles are well-maintained and strictly adhere to posted speed limits. Always buckle up and avoid exceeding passenger capacities to minimize the risk of severe outcomes. Additionally, law enforcement emphasizes the dangers of impaired driving, particularly on remote routes where emergency response times can be longer.

Sources and Materials

• [nbclosangeles](https://www.nbclosangeles.com/news/local/)