CASTAIC, CA — A devastating car crash in Castaic claimed the life of 15-year-old Esteban Gonzalez and left three others injured on Monday afternoon, according to the California Highway Patrol (CHP). The incident occurred around 4:30 p.m. near the intersection of Hasley Canyon Road and Sloan Canyon Road, when a vehicle veered off the roadway and struck a tree.
CHP officers responded to multiple 911 calls about the crash. Upon arrival, they found the vehicle heavily damaged and its occupants trapped inside. Emergency crews from the Los Angeles County Fire Department worked quickly to extricate the passengers. Tragically, one person was pronounced dead at the scene. The three others were transported to a local hospital with injuries described as of unknown severity.
On Tuesday, the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s Office identified the deceased teen as Esteban Gonzalez. Authorities have not released the identities or medical conditions of the surviving occupants, nor have they disclosed who was driving the vehicle at the time of the crash. It remains unclear whether seatbelts were in use.
The CHP is actively investigating the cause of the crash. Officials are reviewing potential factors such as vehicle speed, road conditions, driver distraction, or impairment. No further details have been confirmed regarding the sequence of events that led to the vehicle leaving the roadway and hitting a tree. The crash site, located in a semi-rural area with curving roads, is known to be challenging for inexperienced drivers.
The loss of Esteban Gonzalez has sent shockwaves through the tight-knit Castaic community, where he is remembered as a bright and caring teen. Friends and family have begun posting tributes on social media, while grief counselors may be made available at local schools to help classmates cope with the tragedy.
Law enforcement continues to urge drivers — especially teens and parents of young drivers — to be cautious on winding roads like Hasley Canyon, where visibility and road design can increase the risk of serious accidents. The CHP asks anyone who may have witnessed the crash or has relevant information to come forward as the investigation continues. Further updates will be shared as more details become available.
