Preston Obeidin Obituary, Death – A tragic rollover crash claimed the life of a 19-year-old Long Beach man on Sunday morning along Highway 79, just east of Temecula. Authorities identified the victim as Preston Obeidin, who was behind the wheel of a 1998 Toyota 4Runner at the time of the accident. The collision also left two of his passengers injured—one seriously—though both are expected to recover.
The incident occurred around 7:30 a.m. on the northbound side of Highway 79, just south of Anza Road, according to the California Highway Patrol (CHP). Officer Mike Lassig from the CHP said Obeidin was driving northbound at an undetermined speed when the SUV veered across the two-lane highway into the oncoming, southbound traffic lane. In an apparent attempt to regain control and return to his original lane, Obeidin made a sudden correction to the right. However, this maneuver caused him to lose control of the vehicle entirely.
The SUV swerved across the road once more, exiting the highway onto the dirt shoulder. The vehicle then collided with a telephone pole positioned west of the roadway. The force of the crash caused the SUV to flip over and come to rest upside down, Lassig reported.
Emergency responders from the Riverside Fire Department arrived on the scene shortly afterward. Tragically, Obeidin was pronounced dead at the site of the crash. His two passengers were transported to Inland Valley Medical Center in Wildomar for treatment. One of the passengers, seated in the front and wearing a seatbelt, sustained minor injuries. The second passenger, seated in the rear and not wearing a seatbelt, suffered major injuries but is expected to recover.
Neither of the passengers has been publicly identified at this time.
Due to the severity of the crash and the ensuing investigation, Highway 79 was closed to traffic for more than two hours, disrupting traffic flow in both directions as officials worked the scene and cleared debris.
Authorities are still investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident. Officer Lassig emphasized that speed may have played a role in the crash, although no official speed estimates have been released. Weather conditions at the time of the crash were not reported, and no other vehicles were involved in the incident.
The California Highway Patrol continues to examine all contributing factors, including potential distractions or mechanical issues with the vehicle. It remains unclear whether alcohol or drugs played a part in the crash.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers that can arise from overcorrection while driving. When a driver makes a sudden steering maneuver, especially at higher speeds, it can lead to a loss of control—often with deadly consequences. Safety experts routinely caution drivers to remain calm and avoid abrupt movements when vehicles drift off course.
In addition, the CHP and other safety advocates consistently stress the importance of wearing seatbelts. While the front seat passenger who was restrained received only minor injuries, the unrestrained rear seat passenger suffered far more serious trauma. Law enforcement often cites seatbelt use as one of the most effective ways to reduce injury and fatality in traffic accidents.
The death of Preston Obeidin marks a sorrowful loss for his community in Long Beach and adds to the growing number of young lives claimed on California’s roads. Friends and family are left to grieve a life cut tragically short.
As the investigation continues, CHP officers are urging anyone with information regarding the crash to come forward. Witnesses or individuals who may have been driving nearby around the time of the accident can contact the local CHP office to assist in piecing together the full sequence of events.
For now, Highway 79 has reopened, but the aftermath of Sunday’s crash will be long felt by those involved. Authorities will be looking to the final report to determine whether any further safety measures or road improvements could help prevent similar incidents in the future.
In the wake of this crash, local officials are reminding drivers to always wear seatbelts, avoid distractions, and stay within safe speeds—especially on rural, two-lane highways like Highway 79. The road can be unpredictable, and a momentary lapse in focus can have life-altering consequences.
This tragic incident not only highlights the risks associated with overcorrection and speeding but also reinforces the critical importance of safety precautions that can mean the difference between life and death in a vehicle accident.
