The fatal crash occurred on South State Street, just south of Chambers Street in Hemet.
HEMET, CA, (June 22, 2025) -
Two family members were tragically killed and another person injured in a two-vehicle crash Sunday night in Hemet, authorities said.
Bailey Watterson, 17, of Riverside, and Pastel Watterson, 25, of Redlands, tragically lost their lives in a two-vehicle crash Sunday night in Hemet, according to authorities.
The victims were identified as 17-year-old Bailey Watterson of Riverside and 25-year-old Pastel Watterson of Redlands.
According to preliminary reports, the crash occurred around 9 p.m. as the Wattersons were leaving a residence at 1536 South State Street in a compact Kia sedan. Pastel was driving when the vehicle entered the roadway and was struck by a northbound Toyota sedan, just south of Chambers Street.
Pastel was pronounced dead at the scene. Bailey was transported to Riverside University Medical Center in Moreno Valley, where she later died from her injuries. A third passenger in the Kia sustained injuries and was taken to the hospital; their condition has not been disclosed.
The driver of the Toyota was treated and released from the hospital.
The crash remains under investigation by authorities.
CRASH INVESTIGATION NEEDED
Across the country, roadways are often built for speed and efficiency—rather than safety. This design approach, combined with the presence of large, fast-moving vehicles, continues to put lives at risk. According to early data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), an estimated 39,345 people were killed in traffic crashes across the United States in 2024.
While the cause and liability in specific crashes are still under investigation, Candice Bond, an experienced accident attorney and Managing Partner at Bond Legal, stressed the importance of conducting an independent investigation in the wake of a serious or fatal collision.
“In addition to the diligent work of law enforcement, an attorney can re-interview key witnesses, analyze any surveillance video from the crash scene, and obtain the phone and texting records of the at-fault driver,” said Bond, who also serves as a national analyst for The Legal Advocate. “These steps are critical in building a strong case and helping families seek the justice they deserve.”
WRONGFUL DEATH CLAIM
Pending the results of the investigation, the family members of Bailey and Pastel Watterson may be entitled to a wrongful death claim. Families of wrongful death victims may seek compensation for the loss of companionship, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and other damages following a catastrophic accident.
“We understand that losing a loved one is not only a deeply emotional loss but also a financial one,” said Candice Bond, Managing Partner at Bond Legal.
“If you have lost someone due to another party’s negligence, it’s important to contact a wrongful death attorney who can provide the guidance and advocacy needed to pursue justice.”
Have you experienced a similar accident and need guidance? Contact national legal analyst Candice Bond at Newsline for a free, no-obligation consultation today.
(Candice Bond, our national legal analyst, is a Managing Partner at Bond Legal. Newsline can and does use quotes from prior interviews with our analysts for our news articles. If you would like to contact Bond Legal to help you, please call 866-985-6515 or use the submission box found on this page. Legal analysts quoted may or may not be licensed in your state).