A multi-vehicle crash on Interstate 5 near Camp Pendleton in San Diego, California, on the morning of June 27, 2024, resulted in three fatalities, including two U.S. Navy sailors. The accident occurred around 3 a.m. and involved a Jeep, a Mercedes-Benz Sprinter van, and four motorcyclists.
The Navy identified the sailors as Petty Officer 1st Class Stephen Jermaine Williams, 37, and Petty Officer 1st Class Jess Lee Davis, 38. Williams, from Texas, was stationed at the Southwest Regional Maintenance Center in San Diego. Davis, from Tennessee, served aboard the USS Alexandria (SSN 757) and was also in San Diego. Both men were highly decorated; Williams had received a Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal and three Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals, while Davis earned two Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals and a National Defense Service Medal.
“The Navy family mourns the loss of two shipmates in Thursday’s traffic accident. Our thoughts and prayers are with the sailors’ families, friends, and coworkers, and we ask they be afforded privacy during this difficult time,” Navy spokesperson Brian O’Rourke said.
The incident started when a Jeep Wrangler heading southbound veered off the highway and struck a guardrail near Las Pulgas Road. The vehicle became disabled on the side of the road. Shortly after, a Mercedes-Benz Sprinter van collided with the Jeep, causing the van to overturn. Four motorcyclists traveling closely behind then crashed into the Jeep and the van, igniting a fire.
Three of the motorcyclists, including Williams and Davis, died at the scene. The fourth motorcyclist sustained serious injuries and was transported to a local hospital. The driver and a passenger of the Jeep, as well as the driver and a passenger of the van, were also hospitalized with injuries ranging from minor to life-threatening.
The California Highway Patrol (CHP) conducted a lengthy investigation, closing all southbound lanes on I-5 for several hours. The closure caused significant traffic delays, with some drivers stuck for up to five hours. “We came to a stop, stuck in that area where you can’t go anywhere and you’re trapped. It ended up being a 5-hour commute, plus,” said commuter Chris Herring.
Two lanes were reopened by late morning, but congestion persisted well into the afternoon. The investigation is ongoing, and it remains unclear if alcohol or mechanical failure caused the crash.