20-Year-Old Marine Dies in Solo-Vehicle Accident near Las Pulgas Road

SAN DIEGO, CA (June 27th, 2024) – Saturday, Lance Cpl. Cristian Banuelos died and two were hurt in a rollover collision on Interstate 5.

Around 5:45 a.m., police officers responded to the scene on the northbound lanes of the freeway near Las Pulgas Road.

California Highway Patrol officers say the driver of a northbound black BMW 440I veered left and crashed into the median guard rail. However, the circumstances that led up to the collision remain under investigation. 

The impact of the crash caused the BMW to overturn and hit a call box and a barbed wire fence. Despite life-saving efforts, medical personnel pronounced the driver dead at the scene. 

Capt. Virginia Burger of the Camp Pendleton-based 1st Marine Logistics Group identified the deceased driver as 20-year-old Lance Cpl. Cristian Banuelos.

Meanwhile, paramedics also transported his 21-year-old male passenger to a hospital for treatment of significant injuries. In addition, Banuelos’ 19-year-old female passenger sustained minor injuries but declined further medical evaluation. 

At this time, officials are asking those who witnessed the crash to contact their offices as soon as possible.

Our deepest condolences and sympathies are with the family and friends of Lance Cpl. Cristian Banuelos.

Losing a loved one in an accident can have devastating effects on the emotional and financial well-being of those left behind. Let the personal injury and wrongful death attorneys at Sweet James help you during this trying time. We will fight to achieve the justice and compensation that you and your family deserve. Call us today at 1-844-363-7713 for a free and confidential case evaluation.