Man in 60s Killed on Northbound I-15 Near Clairemont Mesa

A father in his 60s died early Monday morning after he stopped to help his daughter with a vehicle problem on northbound Interstate 15. The crash occurred near the State Route 52 interchange, just north of Clairemont Mesa Boulevard, according to the California Highway Patrol.

CHP reported the incident began around 3:30 a.m. when the daughter’s car developed a mechanical issue, possibly a flat tire. Four people under the age of 18 were inside the vehicle. The father arrived on the scene and parked his minivan near his daughter's car alongside the center median.

CHP Sgt. Ray Scheindes said the father was broadsided on the driver’s side by a Toyota Corolla. "He responded to the scene to assist. We don't know what happened when he got here, but at some point he seems to have been broadsided on the driver's side of the minivan by the Toyota Corolla," Scheindes said. The man was pronounced dead at the scene.

The collision triggered a chain reaction that involved two additional vehicles. All other parties involved in the crash were transported to a local hospital for treatment. The accident caused hours of traffic delays in the southbound lanes and on connecting freeways.

Northbound lanes were closed while crews cleared the scene, with traffic diverted to State Route 52. All lanes reopened around 8:45 a.m. The investigation is ongoing, and while drugs or alcohol are not believed to be factors, a toxicology report has been issued through the San Diego County Medical Examiner’s office.

CHP asked witnesses to contact the San Diego Area office at (858) 293-6000.