NORWALK, CA, (July 20, 2025) - Four friends, all 24 years old, were tragically killed early Sunday morning in a devastating crash involving a suspected drunk driver on the southbound 605 Freeway in Norwalk, according to the California Highway Patrol (CHP).
Four people—including Jordan Partidge and Sam Skocili—were killed early Sunday morning in a suspected drunk driving crash on the San Gabriel River (605) Freeway in Norwalk, authorities said.
The victims have been identified as Jordan Partidge, Sam Skocili, and two of their friends.
CHP investigators reported that the group was riding in a Nissan sedan that had been involved in a collision with a CHP patrol vehicle just north of Rosecrans Avenue at approximately 1 a.m. The crash left the Nissan disabled in the No. 2 lane.
Moments later, a Kia sedan—driven by Iris Salmeron—slammed into the stationary Nissan. The impact caused the Nissan to catch fire, trapping all four occupants inside. Tragically, none survived.
Salmeron was arrested on multiple charges, including DUI causing injury with a blood alcohol content of 0.08% or higher.
The crash remains under active investigation by the CHP.
CRASH INVESTIGATION NEEDED
Drunk driving isn't just reckless—it's deadly, claiming 34 lives every day across the United States. All of these deaths are preventable. In 2023 alone, 12,429 people were killed in alcohol-impaired driving crashes, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
An independent investigation will be necessary to determine all contributing factors in the case, including results from any blood-alcohol content (BAC) testing conducted on the suspected impaired driver.
Candice Bond, an experienced DUI accident attorney and Managing Partner of Bond Legal, emphasized the civil recourse available to families affected by such tragedies.
“When vehicle accidents result from unsafe behaviors like distracted driving, speeding, or driving under the influence, victims or their families are often left with the option to pursue a civil action,” Bond said.
WRONGFUL DEATH CLAIM
Pending the investigation results, the family members of Jordan Partidge and Sam Skocili may be entitled to a wrongful death claim for medical and funeral expenses, the loss of love and companionship, pain and suffering, and emotional trauma.
“An incident is considered a wrongful death when either a person or entity commits a wrongful or negligent act resulting in a person's death,” said Candice Bond, Managing Partner of Bond Legal.
“When vehicle accident fatalities result from unsafe driving, aggressive or distracted driving, speeding, or driving under the influence, family members are usually left with the option to pursue a civil action against the responsible motorist.”
If you’ve been injured or lost a loved one due to a drunk driver, national legal analyst Candice Bond offers free consultations to guide you.
(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).