Jeffrey Cymbaluk, Paula Cymbaluk Killed in State Route 18 Semi-Truck Crash in Lucerne Valley

Lucerne Valley, CA – Two people were killed in a multi-vehicle crash involving a semi-truck on State Route 18 in Lucerne Valley Monday morning, according to the California Highway Patrol.

The collision occurred along State Route 18 near Meridian Road at approximately 9:32 a.m. on March 16.

Authorities say a 2002 Mercury Grand Marquis sedan, driven by Jeffrey Cymbaluk, collided with a red semi-truck pulling a tanker trailer. Following the impact, the sedan came to rest off the roadway in the dirt shoulder and desert brush, with its passenger side wedged beneath the front portion of the truck. The semi-truck jackknifed, leaving its cab off the roadway while the tanker trailer remained partially on the highway and extended along the shoulder. A third vehicle, a Jeep, was also under investigation, although it reportedly did not make contact with the other vehicles.

Jeffrey Cymbaluk, 66, and his passenger, Paula Lowery Cymbaluk, 64, both residents of Lucerne Valley, suffered fatal injuries and were pronounced dead at the scene. No other injuries or arrests were reported.

The cause of the crash remains under investigation, and authorities have not yet determined what led to the collision.

California Highway Patrol officers responded to the scene alongside other emergency personnel. Crews worked to assess the situation and clear the wreckage from the roadway.

The crash caused significant traffic disruptions in the area, with vehicles being diverted from State Route 18 to northbound Camp Rock Road and State Route 247. Caltrans assisted by implementing traffic control measures and alternating traffic through the scene.

The incident remains under active investigation by the California Highway Patrol.

Traffic collisions remain a significant concern across California. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the state recorded over 4,400 traffic fatalities in recent years, one of the highest totals nationwide. Data from the California Highway Patrol’s Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS) also shows thousands of injury crashes annually, particularly on rural highways like State Route 18.

If you have lost a loved one in the Lucerne Valley crash, you don’t have to face this difficult time alone. Contact a wrongful death attorney to understand your rights and explore your legal options. Experienced legal support can help you seek justice and compensation for your loss.