3 Killed in Julian Crash on State Route 78; Rosa Rodriguez Hospitalized
Three Killed in Julian Crash Identified; One Critically Injured in Collision on SR-78
SAN DIEGO COUNTY, Calif. (April 8, 2026) — Rosa Rodriguez remains hospitalized as the sole survivor of a deadly head-on crash Saturday in Julian on state Route 78, officials said.
The crash, which happened around 2:50 p.m. on April 4th happened when two pickup trucks collided and both vehicles overturned multiple times, police said.
CAL Fire sent firefighters to the scene to extricate those trapped and help those injured. A man and woman with serious injuries were airlifted to a hospital, and two others were confirmed dead at the scene. Jesus Canales Lopez, 66, one of the two pickup truck drivers, and a passenger, Maria Del Carmen Contreras Albino, 48, both died at the scene. Mark Geral Vaugh Straass, 72, died two days later at Palomar Medical Center, the Medical Examiner’s office said.
Rosa Rodriguez, survived the crash and is being treated in the intensive care unit for several fractures, a brain bleed, a punctured lung from broken ribs, and a stroke, according to a GoFundMe page.
“On Saturday April 4th, 2026, our beautiful mother, Rosa, was on her way back from hiking with her friends, something she truly loves, when she was involved in a devastating head-on car collision on Route 78 in Julian,” her daughter Emely Rodriquez said.
The California Highway Patrol closed down the highway for several hours in both directions between Banner Road and San Felipe Road and conducted an investigation into what happened. It wasn’t until just before 9:30 p.m. that Caltrans reopened the roadway.
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When it matters most, trust Attorney James Johnson at Johnson Attorneys Group. We are a personal injury law firm serving clients who have been injured throughout California due to negligent motorists. If you were hurt in this collision, call 1-(800) 208-3538. We will request the police report, and the attorney will discuss your options. You are under no obligation to hire us, and there is no cost unless we win your case. Our personal injury law firm is a proud, longtime supporter of Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD).
