Two Killed, Including 9-Year-Old Boy, in Three-Car Crash Near Hemet Intersection as Three Others Are Hospitalized

HEMET, CA — Two people died and three others were hospitalized after a three-car crash Tuesday evening near Hemet, according to the California Highway Patrol. Authorities said the victims included a 9-year-old boy, and the collision happened around 6 p.m. at Ramona Expressway and Lincoln Avenue.

CHP said the crash remains under investigation.

How the crash unfolded

Investigators said an 18-year-old Hemet woman was driving a Nissan Rogue on Lincoln Avenue and approaching the intersection to turn left onto Ramona Expressway. At the same time, a 41-year-old Hemet man was driving a Nissan Versa east on Ramona Expressway toward the same intersection.

CHP said the two vehicles collided for reasons still being investigated. The impact sent the Versa spinning into the westbound lanes of Ramona Expressway, where it was struck by a Ford Mustang Mach-E driven by a 34-year-old Hemet woman.

Victims identified by coroner

The Riverside County Sheriff’s Office Coroner identified the Nissan Versa driver as Nicholas McWhirter. His 9-year-old son, Dominic, was also killed in the crash, and investigators said both were pronounced dead at the scene.

Police said they believe both were properly restrained at the time of the collision.

Three people were hurt

The driver and passenger in the Nissan Rogue, along with the driver of the Ford Mustang, were taken to Riverside University Health System for treatment. CHP described their injuries as ranging from minor to moderate.

Officials have not said whether alcohol or drugs were factors in the crash.

Investigators seek witnesses

CHP said anyone with information about the collision, or anyone who saw it happen, should contact investigators with the San Gorgonio Pass Office at 951-846-5300. The agency said the case is still active as detectives continue to piece together what led to the deadly intersection crash.

TNSO covers California, Nevada, and Arizona as the story unfolds.