By Crash News Writer 
Perris, CA (August 14, 2025) – A deadly head-on crash Tuesday evening claimed the life of a Nuevo man along a heavily traveled stretch of State Route 74 in Perris.
According to reports, the crash happened shortly before 6:45 p.m. on August 13 near Joppe Avenue. Authorities identified the victim as 49-year-old Ambrocio Cota, who was driving a 2010 Lexus IS250 eastbound at the time of the incident.
For reasons still under investigation, Cota’s vehicle crossed over a raised concrete center divider and into oncoming traffic, colliding head-on with a westbound 2024 Chevrolet Express van occupied by a 23-year-old driver and a 59-year-old passenger. The impact left both vehicles with severe front-end damage. Following the collision, the Lexus continued into a chain-link fence north of the highway.
Emergency responders pronounced Cota dead at the scene. The other individuals involved were not reported to have sustained fatal injuries.
The CHP Temecula Area office is leading the investigation and urges witnesses to come forward.
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PLEASE TAKE NOTICE
This report was compiled using initial statements from the California Highway Patrol and Coroner’s Bureau. Information may be updated as the investigation progresses.
- Ambrocio Cota, 49, was identified as the deceased; next of kin have been notified.
- Investigators have not confirmed the reason the Lexus veered across the center divider.
- A SIG alert closed westbound lanes of State Route 74 for approximately two and a half hours as crews responded to the scene.
This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal or medical advice. Details are subject to change. Please refer to our full disclaimer.