Fatal Apple Valley Crash at State Route 18, Bear Valley Road

APPLE VALLEY, Calif. (April 21, 2026) — A two-vehicle crash at a busy Apple Valley intersection left one person dead Monday evening and temporarily shut down a portion of State Route 18 near the area known as Dead Man’s Point.

The collision was reported around 6:21 p.m. April 20 at Bear Valley Road and State Route 18, according to logs from the California Highway Patrol. Authorities described the incident as a side-impact or T-Bone crash involving a blue Nissan pickup and a black Chevrolet sedan.

First responders transported the driver of the sedan to a nearby hospital with critical injuries. The individual later died, officials said.

CHP officers remained at the scene for an extended period, documenting evidence and taking roadway measurements as part of the investigation.

Images from the crash site showed both vehicles heavily damaged, with the sedan overturned and debris spread across the intersection.

Eastbound lanes of SR-18 were closed for roughly two hours while crews worked the scene. By about 8:10 p.m., the vehicles had been removed and the roadway was reopened.

Authorities have not yet released the identity of the person who died or details about any additional injuries.

The California Highway Patrol Victorville Area Office is leading the investigation, which remains ongoing. Updates will be provided as more information becomes available.

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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).