Hyundai Veloster veered off the road near Mountain High Resort
August 28, 2026 | Los Angeles, CA
Rebekah Cabral-Gonzalez, 21, of Wrightwood, was killed Aug. 28 when a Hyundai Veloster veered off Angeles Crest Highway, overturned and struck a power pole near Mountain High Resort, CHP said.
Rebekah Cabral-Gonzalez, 21, of Wrightwood, was killed when a Hyundai Veloster traveling east on Angeles Crest Highway veered right, left the roadway, overturned down an embankment and struck a power pole near Mountain High Resort.
What happened in the crash?
- Date: Aug. 28
- Location: Angeles Crest (2) Highway, near Mountain High Resort between Big Pines and Wrightwood
- Vehicle: Hyundai Veloster traveling east
- Time: Approximately 1:30 a.m.
- Outcome: Vehicle veered off the roadway, overturned down an embankment, and struck a power pole
- Fatalities: Four total, including 21-year-old Rebekah Cabral-Gonzalez of Wrightwood
- Injuries: Two others injured
- Agency: California Highway Patrol (CHP)
Why do these accidents happen?
Alcohol-impaired driving remains a leading cause of fatal crashes in California. According to state traffic safety data, 1,355 people died in alcohol-involved crashes in 2023, marking a 55 percent rise since 2014.
| Year | Alcohol-Related Fatalities | Change from Prior Period |
|---|
| 2014 | 874 | Baseline |
| 2023 | 1,355 | +55% |
Source: California Office of Traffic Safety
Legal Insights
National analysts with Newsline note that families affected by motor vehicle crashes may pursue civil claims separate from any criminal proceedings.
In cases such as this, a victim's family may be entitled to compensation through a civil lawsuit against the responsible party. In addition to the diligent work of law enforcement, an attorney can re-interview important witnesses, analyze any surveillance video from the scene of the crash, and obtain phone and text records of the liable party. Serving as an advocate, an attorney can help compassionately guide a family during this difficult time, protecting their legal rights while ensuring that a drunk driver is held accountable for their reckless actions.
— Candice Bond, managing partner of Bond Legal and a national analyst with Newsline
We understand just what families are forced to go through, and having their rights protected is vital. A wrongful death lawyer will stay updated on the official investigation and help ensure that their best interests are taken care of. Relatives of wrongful death victims are entitled to seek damages for the loss of companionship, pain and suffering, and emotional distress following a tragic or catastrophic accident.
— Stefano Formica, of counsel with Bond Legal
Key takeaways for families:
- Civil claims can address loss of companionship and emotional distress
- Attorneys can supplement official investigations with additional evidence
- Early legal guidance helps protect rights during ongoing investigations
(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.
If you or a family member has been affected by a similar incident, national legal analyst Candice Bond is available for a free consultation. Use the contact information provided on this page.
(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).
Tags: Latest News, Non Commercial, Motor Vehicle Accident, California, Angeles Crest (2) Highway, Los Angeles County, Fatal Accident, Angeles National Forest