By Crash News Writer 
San Diego County, CA (October 1, 2025) – A suspected DUI crash in the Pala area early Sunday morning left one person dead and three others seriously injured.
According to the California Highway Patrol, the fatal collision occurred around 1:45 a.m. on September 29 along State Route 76 near Magee Road. Authorities said 21-year-old Antonio Albert Gonzalez III was driving a white Dodge Durango when he lost control and veered into the opposing traffic lane.
The Dodge collided head-on with a Honda Civic driven by a 54-year-old man from Apple Valley. A passenger in the front seat of the Honda was pronounced dead at the scene.
The driver of the Honda, a 25-year-old passenger in the Dodge, and Gonzalez III were all hospitalized with serious injuries.
Gonzalez was arrested at the hospital on multiple felony charges, including DUI, gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated, and other homicide-related offenses.
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Losing a loved one in a DUI crash is a devastating and avoidable tragedy. When alcohol or drugs contribute to a fatal collision, families may pursue justice through civil legal claims while the criminal process unfolds. Under car accident laws in California, surviving loved ones can seek damages for wrongful death, emotional suffering, and other losses.
Legal guidance is especially important following a car accident near Pala involving impaired driving. If you’ve been affected by a car accident near me, don’t wait to act. A knowledgeable attorney can help navigate the complex legal aftermath of a DUI crash.
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PLEASE TAKE NOTICE
This report is based on initial findings and may be updated as the California Highway Patrol continues its investigation. For more guidance, see our frequently asked questions in California.
The identities of the injured and deceased have not yet been released pending family notification.
Further updates may include toxicology reports, formal charges, and court proceedings as the investigation develops.
If you need support after a serious or fatal crash, review our list of accident resources in California.
This story is intended for general information only and should not be considered legal or medical advice. For full details, please refer to our disclaimer.
To pursue justice after a tragic DUI crash, contact an experienced California personal injury lawyer as soon as possible.