Good Samaritan killed trying to help after a vehicle crashed into utility pole and burst into flames
Trevor Montgomery
Video Footage: Miguel Shannon / Epicenter News
CABAZON – A man died on Friday, Feb. 26, after attempting to render aid after finding a car that had struck a light pole and was on fire. Deputies later determined the car was abandoned and unoccupied. Deputies are conducting an investigation to determine who was driving the vehicle involved in the traffic collision.
Just before 1 a.m., deputies from the Riverside County Sheriff’s Cabazon Station received a frantic 911 call of an unknown trouble in the area of Magnolia Street and Bonita Avenue, in the unincorporated community of Cabazon.
Upon arrival the first responding deputy found a vehicle that struck a power pole and was fully engulfed in flames. The deputy also found a male on the ground who was unconscious and not breathing.
The deputies’ investigation revealed a good Samaritan, later identified by the coroner’s office as Rory Nason, a thirty-year-old resident of Cabazon, was driving with his fiancé and their children when they came upon a vehicle that had smashed into a utility pole and was on fire. Nason left the protection of his own vehicle and his family to offer aid to anyone who might be trapped inside the burning car.
“As Nason approached the vehicle, he braved flames and live electrical wires,” Deputy Mike Vasquez, press information officer for Riverside Sheriff explained. “Nason suddenly collapsed and was possibly electrocuted from the live electrical wires. Nason’s fiancé dragged him to safety and immediately called 911 for assistance.”
Additional deputies rushed to the location and began life saving measures until Cal Fire/Riverside County Fire personnel and paramedics arrived. A short time later, Nason succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene.
Deputies determined there were no occupants inside the burning vehicle, as they had fled the traffic collision prior to Nason’s arrival. “Nason’s selfless attempt to help others resulted in this tragedy,” Vasquez said.
“The Cabazon Sheriff’s Station is committed to solving the death investigation and asking anyone with information regarding the incident to contact the station at (951) 922-7100,” Vasquez said. Callers can refer to incident file number B160570003 and can remain anonymous.
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What a great man, Nason . Prayers for the family and friends. I hope, who ever, was driving drunk, or racing. Feels really good!!! And gets caught. Or does the right choice.