WINCHESTER, CA — A 17-year-old girl was killed and three others were injured in a two-vehicle crash Thursday night in Winchester.
Giovanna Rizzo of Murrieta died at the crash scene at Winchester and Keller roads, according to the Riverside County Sheriff-Coroner’s Bureau.
Just after 9 p.m., firefighters were called to the scene. A preliminary California Highway Patrol investigation determined that a 2003 GMC Sierra broadsided a Nissan Titan in the intersection, according to CHP Officer Mike Lassig.
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The investigation revealed that the [Nissan] truck, driven by Gavin Hooper, 18, of Murrieta was heading east on Keller Road toward Winchester Road. The Sierra was heading north on Winchester and ran a red light smashing into the Nissan in the intersection, according to Lassig.
Giovanna was the right front passenger in the Nissan. Another teen, identified to Patch as Hooper’s sister, was sitting in the right rear seat behind her.
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“All were wearing proper passenger restraints,” Lassig said.
The Nissan sustained major damage to its right side and the Sierra rolled over after the collision before coming to rest, according to Lassig.
Giovanna was pronounced dead at the scene. Hooper and his sister were both airlifted to Wildomar’s Southwest Healthcare Inland Valley Hospital, Lassig said.
The Sierra driver was also taken to the same hospital by ground ambulance with moderate to major injuries, according to Lassig.
The Sierra driver cooperated with investigators and any alcohol or drug usage was ruled out; the preliminary cause of the crash was failure to obey the traffic signal, Lassig said.
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No arrests were made.
The CHP is overseeing the investigation.
Any witnesses are asked to contact the CHP Temecula Area Office at 951-506-2000.
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