Lucille Henson dies in three-vehicle crash on 170th Street East

Ford truck drifted across lanes north of Rawhide Avenue

December 15, 2025 | Lancaster, CA

Lancaster authorities responded to a tragic three-vehicle crash on Dec. 15 that claimed the life of 19-year-old Lucille Henson. 

The incident occurred north of Rawhide Avenue, highlighting the dangers of local roadways.

Lucille Henson, 19, of Lancaster, was killed when her Ford sedan was struck head-on by Ford truck and then by Toyota SUV on 170th Street East north of Rawhide Avenue in Lancaster.

What Happened in the Crash?

The California Highway Patrol (CHP) Antelope Valley Area arrived at the scene around 6:14 p.m. Preliminary investigations reveal key details:

• A 2023 Ford truck, driven by a 49-year-old from Lake Los Angeles, veered into the southbound lanes.
• The truck collided head-on with Henson's 2014 Ford sedan.
• The crash caused Henson's vehicle to spin out of control and strike a southbound 2025 Toyota SUV driven by a 37-year-old from Irvine.
• Henson was ejected from her sedan and pronounced dead at the scene by responding officials.
• The other two drivers sustained major injuries and were transported to Antelope Valley Medical Center.

Impairment does not appear to have played a role, according to initial reports. The investigation remains ongoing.

Crash Summary Table

Why Do Head-On Crashes Occur?

Head-on collisions, though less common than other accidents, often lead to severe outcomes due to the intensity of the crash. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), traffic fatalities reached 39,345 in 2024, with head-on crashes contributing disproportionately to deaths and serious injuries.

Common factors include:

• Lane departure due to distraction or fatigue.
• Speeding in opposite directions.
• Roadway design issues in rural areas like Lancaster.

For a broader context, the Federal Highway Administration reports that rural roads account for a significant portion of fatal crashes nationwide.

Legal Insights

In cases such as multi-vehicle collisions, thorough investigations are crucial for understanding liability and supporting affected families.

“Time is of the essence in cases such as this, and the family must ensure that evidence is reviewed efficiently,” said Candice Bond, managing partner at Bond Legal. “An accident reconstruction team is sometimes needed to help piece together what happened. All of these resources are necessary for helping clients receive monetary compensation for damages or a loss following a collision.”

Key takeaways from legal perspectives on such incidents:

• Independent investigations by experienced attorneys protect victims' rights.
• Families may pursue wrongful death claims for loss of companionship, pain, suffering, and emotional distress.
• Prompt action preserves critical evidence like vehicle data and witness statements.

“The stress and sorrow can be extremely overwhelming after losing a loved one in an accident,” said Stefano Formica, of counsel with Bond Legal. “We understand just what families are forced to go through, and having their rights protected is vital.”

Pending the ongoing CHP investigation, Henson's family may explore options for compensation.

Newsline, owned by Belsito Communications, Inc., stands as a premier digital news platform with an unwavering commitment to journalistic integrity and editorial excellence. Our rigorous editorial standards ensure verified reporting, backed by our Corrections Policy that guarantees a 24-hour review for any inaccuracies. For more on our processes, visit our Editorial Policy.

Interested in reaching audiences affected by traffic news? Advertise with Newsline to connect with insurance, automotive, and safety-focused partners.

(This report is based on verified data - learn more on our About Us page.)

Newsline - is your trusted source for legal news and accident reports, delivering timely updates to keep you informed.