Salinas, CA – On Thursday, September 11, 2025, in the late afternoon, a three-car crash resulted in the deaths of Aristeo Cruz Jimenez, 31, and Marcos Cruz Alia, 35, while another driver sustained serious injuries, as reported by KSBW. The California Highway Patrol stated that the incident occurred at approximately 4:16 PM on Highway 183, just south of Cooper Road. Investigators noted that a red sedan had halted in the southbound lane while preparing to make a left turn. A gray GMC SUV came up from the rear and collided with the sedan at a high velocity. The impact’s force propelled the smaller car into the route of a northbound semi-truck, which then struck the sedan directly. The forceful collision devastated the car, resulting in severe injuries to those inside. Emergency responders arrived swiftly, but the accident provided minimal opportunity for the survival of two passengers. Authorities from the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that Aristeo Cruz Jimenez from Port Hueneme and Marcos Cruz Alia from Salinas both perished at the scene. Paramedics tried to provide assistance, but the severity of the injuries rendered their lifesaving efforts futile. The driver of the sedan, a 20-year-old male, survived but incurred significant injuries. Medical teams took him to a local hospital for immediate care. Officials labeled his state as critical and stated that medical staff are still observing his progress.