Lancaster, California – Authorities have confirmed that 51-year-old Kevin Gately Jr. was killed in a tragic collision involving his gray Toyota sedan and a large truck on Friday night, August 16, 2024. The fatal crash occurred at approximately 9:40 p.m. at the intersection of Longview Road and East Avenue J.
According to the California Highway Patrol (CHP), Gately’s vehicle collided with the truck and became lodged beneath the truck’s cab. The severe impact resulted in Gately’s death at the scene, as confirmed by the Los Angeles County Office of Medical Examiner.
Preliminary investigations suggest that Gately’s sedan was traveling southbound on Longview Road when it failed to stop at a posted stop sign. The large truck, traveling eastbound on Avenue J, then T-boned Gately’s vehicle, causing both vehicles to veer off the road and into a nearby desert field. The truck ultimately overturned on top of the sedan, exacerbating the tragic outcome.
The driver of the large truck was uninjured and has cooperated fully with the investigation. No charges or citations have been issued at this time, as authorities continue to gather evidence and examine the circumstances leading up to the crash.
The intersection was closed for several hours as CHP officers and forensic teams worked meticulously to investigate the scene and determine the exact cause of the collision. The investigation remains ongoing, with officials urging anyone with additional information to contact the California Highway Patrol.
The Lancaster community is mourning the sudden loss of Kevin Gately Jr., and this incident serves as a poignant reminder of the potential dangers on the road, particularly involving large vehicles.