Eastern Poway, CA — Authorities have officially identified two more victims in a tragic multi-vehicle crash that claimed five lives on July 18, 2025, along a notorious stretch of state Route 67, north of San Vicente Reservoir. Among the deceased are Emmanuel Rivera Abarca, age 32, and his father, Marcial Rivera Solorio, age 59 — both remembered as hardworking men who deeply loved their family and community.
The San Diego County Sheriff’s Department and the Medical Examiner’s Office confirmed their identities this week following the devastating three-vehicle collision that occurred around 12:30 p.m. on that fateful Friday.
A Family Forever Torn
According to a GoFundMe page established by relatives, Emmanuel and Marcial were a devoted father and son who shared a strong bond. Their sudden and tragic deaths have left the Rivera family reeling with grief and searching for answers.
The Rivera men were among the five people killed in the violent chain-reaction crash. It remains unclear which of the two pickup trucks they were in at the time, but reports suggest that Emmanuel Rivera Abarca was likely the driver of one of the vehicles involved. The authorities continue to investigate this detail.
The Crash: What We Know So Far
As reported by sheriff’s Lt. Colin Hebeler, the collision began when a Chevrolet Silverado 1500, traveling at high speed northbound on SR-67, abruptly crossed over the center line into southbound lanes near Iron Mountain Drive. The Silverado slammed head-on into a Honda Civic driven by Roberto Martinez Oros, 68, of Ramona. He was the sole occupant of the sedan and died at the scene.
Within seconds, a Toyota Tacoma carrying three individuals, including Emmanuel and Marcial, collided with the wreckage. The brutal force of the impacts was so severe that five lives were lost at the site before emergency responders could intervene.
The crash also sparked a brush fire that burned roughly half an acre before fire crews managed to contain the flames. The wreckage scene, scorched and surrounded by first responders, painted a harrowing picture of the collision’s magnitude.
Ongoing Investigation
As of now, the cause of the crash is still under active investigation. Authorities are combing through evidence, including dashcam footage from a passing vehicle that captured the moments surrounding the collision. Sheriff’s officials have not released information about the identities of the remaining two victims pending notification of next of kin.
“There are still many unanswered questions,” said Lt. Hebeler. “Our deputies are working diligently to understand what led to the Silverado’s sudden and fatal lane departure.”
Remembering Emmanuel and Marcial
Emmanuel Rivera Abarca, described by friends as a gentle, kind-hearted man, was known for his love of the outdoors, loyalty to his family, and his role as a caring son and brother. His father, Marcial Rivera Solorio, was regarded as a pillar of strength, respected in his community and admired for his lifelong commitment to providing for his loved ones.
Their deaths have sent shockwaves through the community, especially among those who knew the pair for their humility, hard work, and the love they radiated to all those around them.
“They were inseparable,” said a family member. “It’s hard to speak of one without the other. Losing both at once—it’s something we’re struggling to comprehend.”
A Call for Support
A GoFundMe campaign has been launched to help cover funeral expenses and support the Rivera family as they navigate this unthinkable loss. Community members are urged to contribute, share, or offer condolences as the family tries to piece their lives back together after such a profound tragedy.
A Community Mourns
This heartbreaking incident marks one of the deadliest accidents in recent memory along the winding and hazardous SR-67 corridor, a stretch of highway long known for its dangers. Community members and lawmakers are once again calling for enhanced traffic safety measures, hoping to prevent another tragedy like the one that stole five precious lives.
As the investigation continues and the families grieve, one truth remains unshakable — Emmanuel and Marcial Rivera will be missed beyond measure.
Rest in peace, Emmanuel and Marcial. Your lives were a blessing, your memory a treasure. You are loved beyond words and missed beyond measure.
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