Teen girl killed in crash near Chualar identified by Soledad superintendent

A teenage girl who died after a Thursday morning crash near Chualar has been identified as a former student at Soledad High School. CHP said officers responded at about 8:28 a.m. to a crash on River Road south of Parker Road in Monterey County.A preliminary investigation found that a 26-year-old King City man was driving a Toyota sedan northbound on River Road with a 16-year-old girl from Soledad as his passenger. A 47-year-old Soledad man was driving a Mercedes-Benz coupe southbound at the same time.For reasons still under investigation, CHP said the Toyota crossed over the solid double yellow lines into the southbound lane, where the Mercedes crashed into the right side of the Toyota.The Toyota driver was taken to a local hospital with suspected major injuries. The 16-year-old passenger was pronounced dead at the scene, CHP said. The Mercedes driver was also taken to a local hospital with suspected major injuries.In a message to the community, Soledad Unified School District Superintendent Randy Bangs identified the girl as former Soledad High School student Itzel Martinez-Morales.“We were saddened to learn that former Soledad High School student Itzel Martinez-Morales passed away in an automobile accident on Thursday,” Bangs wrote. “Itzel was a 10th grade student who attended Gabilan Elementary School, Main Street Middle School, and Soledad High School until this past January when she transferred to another school, while remaining a resident of Soledad.”Bangs said families in need of support should contact their school site.“We will keep Itzel’s family in our thoughts and prayers,” he wrote.Authorities initially closed River Road in both directions from Parker Road to Odonata Winery for several hours, but the roadway has since reopened.Her identity will be officially released by the Monterey County Coroner’s Office after the next of kin are notified.CHP said alcohol and drugs do not appear to be factors in the crash. Anyone with information is asked to call CHP at 831-770-8000.