San Jacinto man dies after fiery crash into tree in Temecula

TEMECULA, Calif., — Authorities say a speeding driver was killed after a fiery, solo-vehicle wreck into a Temecula tree Sunday afternoon, Aug. 1. The deadly accident, which caused the hours-long closure of Rancho Vista Road, happened near the Ronald Reagan Sports Park, according to sheriff and fire officials.

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Deputies from the Southwest Sheriff’s Station and other emergency personnel were dispatched to the scene around 4:45 p.m. after receiving reports of a major injury traffic collision, Riverside Sheriff’s Sergeant William Pratt has since reported.

Arriving officials found a blue Chevrolet Camaro that had careened off the roadway and collided with a tree, causing the car to burst into flames.

“The driver and sole occupant of the vehicle sustained fatal injuries,” said Pratt.

Riverside County Sheriff-Coroner officials have since identified Luc McGinley, 26, of San Jacinto, as the man killed in the crash. A coroner’s release indicated he was pronounced deceased at the scene at 5:12 p.m.

Accident Investigators from the Southwest Sheriff’s Station responded to the location and assumed the investigation.

“The preliminary investigation revealed the Chevrolet lost control while traveling eastbound at a high rate of speed on Rancho Vista Road,” Pratt explained; saying, “The vehicle slid off the roadway and struck a tree.”

It is unknown if intoxication played a role in this collision, which remains under investigation.

Luc McGinley, 26, of San Jacinto was killed when his heavily-modified Chevrolet Camaro struck a tree in Temecula and burst into flames. Tammy Ryan Walker photo

After hearing of her grandson’s tragic death, Barb McGinley wrote online, “I’m trying to not fall to pieces after hearing last night that my grandson, Luc McGinley was killed in a car crash.”

Describing the victim as “such a bright young man” who was a “light for everyone to see … and … should have had a long life” ahead of him, Barb wrote, “Our family is devastated and it will take a long time to feel better.”

“I will miss you sooooo much Luc,” the heartbroken grandmother continued; adding, “You are with God now!!!!”

Anyone with information about this investigation is encouraged to call Deputy Opice of the Southwest Sheriff’s Station at 951-696-3000 or the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department at (951) 776-1099. Callers can refer to incident file number TE212130130 and can remain anonymous.

Contact the writer: [email protected]

Trevor Montgomery, 50, moved in 2017 to the Intermountain area of Shasta County from Riverside County and runs Riverside County News Source (RCNS) and Shasta County News Source (SCNS).

Additionally, he writes or has written for several other news organizations; including Riverside County-based newspapers Valley News, Valley Chronicle, Anza Valley Outlook, and Hemet & San Jacinto Chronicle; the Bonsall/Fallbrook Village News in San Diego County; and Mountain Echo in Shasta County. He is also a regular contributor to Thin Blue Line TV and Law Enforcement News Network and has had his stories featured on news stations throughout the Southern California and North State regions.

Trevor spent 10 years in the U.S. Army as an Orthopedic Specialist before joining the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department in 1998. He was medically retired after losing his leg, breaking his back, and suffering both spinal cord and brain injuries in an off-duty accident. (Click here to see segment of Discovery Channel documentary of Trevor’s accident.)

During his time with the sheriff’s department, Trevor worked at several different stations; including Robert Presley Detention Center, Southwest Station in Temecula, Hemet/Valle Vista Station, Ben Clark Public Safety Training Center, and Lake Elsinore Station; along with other locations.

Trevor’s assignments included Corrections, Patrol, DUI Enforcement, Boat and Personal Water-Craft based Lake Patrol, Off-Road Vehicle Enforcement, Problem Oriented Policing Team, and Personnel/Background Investigations. He finished his career while working as a Sex Crimes and Child Abuse Investigator and was a court-designated expert in child abuse and child sex-related crimes.

Trevor has been married for more than 30 years and was a foster parent to more than 60 children over 13 years. He is now an adoptive parent and his “fluid family” includes 13 children and 18 grandchildren.

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