California Highway Patrol

On 5/18/2010 at 7:40 am a fatal traffic collision involving three vehicles occurred on southbound US-101 south of Arneil Rd.

Jesus Ledesma, age 27 of Fontana, was driving a big rig truck (truck tractor/trailer combination) south on US-101 in the #3 lane near Arneil Rd. Priscilla Jewell, age 53 of Camarillo, was driving a 2003 Lincoln Towncar as she was entering southbound US-101 from the Ventura Blvd. (Lewis Rd.) onramp. Jewell lost control of her vehicle as it swerved left from the onramp across the southbound lanes on US-101 directly into the path of Ledesma's truck. Ledesma applied his brakes and steered left in an attempt to avoid a collision with the Lincoln.

Ledesma's truck collided with the driver side of the Lincoln and pushed it into the center divider where it struck a concrete wall. Jorge Rodriguez, age 51 of Simi Valley, was driving a 2002 Toyota Echo south on US-101 in the #2 lane. Rodriguez saw Ledesma's truck swerving left towards him and attempted to take evasive action. He applied his brakes and steered left but could not avoid a collision Ledesma's truck. The front end of Rodriguez's vehicle struck the left front side of Ledesma's truck.

Jewell was pronounced deceased at the scene by Ventura County Fire Department personnel.

Neither Ledesma nor Rodriguez was injured in the collision. The #1 and #2 lanes on southbound US-101 south of Arneil Rd. were closed until 10:40 am due to the collision. At the time of the collision, the roadway was wet due to light rain. All three drivers were wearing their seatbelt when the collision occurred. The collision is still under investigation.