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Chula Vista, California – The medical examiner has released the names of the two men who died in a collision Monday night while turning onto a Chula Vista street.
According to Chula Vista police, 76-year-old Juanito Muyco and 75-year-old Michael Baril, both residents of Chula Vista, were returning home from a church gathering when the crash occurred around 8 p.m. at the intersection of Apache Drive and Telegraph Canyon Road.
Investigators said Baril was driving a white Subaru Forester eastbound on Telegraph Canyon Road and attempting a left turn onto Apache Drive when a red Ford Mustang traveling westbound struck the vehicle on the passenger side. The impact caused the Subaru to roll over, trapping all four occupants inside. Emergency crews used specialized tools to free the passengers.
Baril was pronounced dead at the scene. Muyco, seated in the front passenger seat, was taken to a hospital where he later died. Two women in their 60s riding in the backseat were also transported to the hospital.
The Mustang’s driver, identified as a 41-year-old man, stayed at the scene and cooperated with police. He was taken to a hospital with minor injuries.
Friends say both couples had been active members of Most Precious Blood Catholic Church for decades. Parishioners wept during Tuesday morning Mass upon learning of the tragedy, and a special service in their memory was planned for Wednesday night.
Neighbor Harvey Lehpamer, who had lived next to Muyco for more than 25 years, said losing him felt like losing a family member.
“[Muyco] was a kind man, always willing to lend a hand. He looked after our house when we were away,” Lehpamer said, adding that Muyco enjoyed gardening and often shared fresh produce and homemade pastries with neighbors.
Police say it is not yet clear which driver was at fault, but alcohol and drugs have been ruled out. The CVPD Traffic Bureau is continuing its investigation.
Anyone with information or who witnessed the crash is urged to contact the Chula Vista Police Department Traffic Bureau at 619-409-5833.
Source: NBC San Diego
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