Jolene Gardner, Payton Castillo Fatal Multi-Vehicle Crash on Garden Grove (22) Freeway in Garden Grove
Jolene Gardner, Payton Castillo ID’d as Mother and Daughter Killed in Garden Grove Crash on Garden Grove Freeway
Garden Grove, California (January 3, 2018) – The Orange County Coroner’s Office has released the identities of the mother and daughter killed in a multi-vehicle collision early Tuesday morning in Garden Grove.
Jolene Gardner, 33, and Payton Castillo, 9, both of Hawthorne, died in the chain-reaction crash that was reported at about 1 a.m. January 1, on the Garden Grove (22) Freeway east of Valley View Street.
According to investigators, Melvin Cleveland Branch, 30, of Orange, was speeding in a BMW sedan in the westbound lanes of the freeway when he rear-ended a Lexus in the carpool lane. The impact caused the Lexus to strike a barrier on the right side of the road.
The BMW then hit a 2010 Ford F-150 pickup operated by Gardner. The force caused the Ford to roll onto its side and skid across multiple lanes of the freeway. The Ford was then hit by a Mazda sedan, which then crashed into the center divider.
Gardner was rushed to a hospital where she succumbed to her injuries. Her daughter Castillo was pronounced deceased at the scene.
Branch was treated for minor injuries. He was then arrested on suspicion of DUI and gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated.
The crash remains under investigation.
Our sincere sympathies go to the family and friends of those killed in the crash. We wish them courage during these trying moments of losing their loved one.
If you have lost someone you love in a fatal car accident, we highly recommend that you seek legal guidance and fight for justice. At Pacific Attorney Group, we go to a great length to ensure that an insurance company follows the law and offers a full compensation for your loss. Call our firm today, and we will help you get justice for your loved one.
If you are a family member of the person killed and would like to get a free copy of the accident report, please contact Pacific Attorney Group at 1-800-358-9617.
