Cody Howell, 19, Killed in Collision on National Trails Highway in Oro Grande

ORO GRANDE, Calif. (May 14, 2026) — Cody A. Howell, 19, died early Wednesday in a head-on crash with a pickup truck on National Trails Highway, just west of Robinson Road in Oro Grande.
The young man was identified by the San Bernardino County Coroner’s Office as the driver killed in the collision between his Chevrolet Suburban and a burgundy Dodge Ram pickup truck.
The fatal crash occurred around 6:56 a.m. on May 13, 2026, according to the California Highway Patrol and the coroner report.
Howell was driving his younger sister to school in southbound lanes when the two vehicles collided head-on, causing major damage to the SUV. Both Howell and his sister were trapped in the wreckage and both drivers had major injuries. Unfortunately, the young man died at the scene.
Firefighters extricated the girl from the wreckage of the SUV. She was transported to St. Mary Medical Center for evaluation of a concussion and later released to recover at home.
Meanwhile, the driver of the northbound Dodge Ram was also freed from the wreckage by arriving firefighters and airlifted to Victor Valley Global Medical Center due to serious injuries.
Investigators from the CHP’s Victorville Station closed down National Trails Highway in both directions for several hours to determine fault for the collision.
Finally, there is a GoFundMe campaign entitled “To Cody Howell A Loyal Man Full of Hidden Talents” created to help support Howell’s family and contribute to funeral expenses.
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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).