Donna Okamoto Killed in Crash on State Route 76 in Pala, San Diego County

Woman, 58, Killed in Head-on Collision in Pala

PALA, Calif. (March 25, 2025) — Donna Okamoto, 58, of Santa Ana, died in a head-on crash on state Route 76 near Lilac Road in Pala.

The deadly collision occurred around 2:30 a.m. on March 16th, according to the San Diego Medical Examiner.

The Orange County woman was traveling westbound on SR-76 in a Mitsubishi SUV in this rural area of San Diego. Meanwhile, an eastbound motorist attempted to pass another vehicle and moved directly into the path the SUV. The two vehicles were involved in a head-on crash and left the SUV driver seriously injured.

Bystanders called 911 to request paramedics and police and lifesaving measures were provided while she was airlifted to the Palomar Medical Center Emergency Department. However, the 58-year-old woman died at 2:48 a.m. upon arrival at the Escondido hospital.

The case remains under investigation.

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