Carlos Perez and Maria Ceja die in fatal Fillmore Christmas Eve car crash
Fatal Fillmore Christmas Eve car crash deaths of Carlos Perez and Maria Ceja – Obituary
Carlos Perez, 39, and Maria Ceja, 31, both of Santa Paula, lost their lives in a tragic head-on collision on Highway 126 near Fillmore on Christmas Eve. The accident occurred shortly after 2:20 p.m. east of the Fillmore Fish Hatchery, according to the California Highway Patrol.
The crash involved a 2024 Volvo SUV that crossed the center median into oncoming traffic, colliding with a 2019 Lexus carrying Perez and Ceja. Both victims suffered fatal blunt-force injuries and were pronounced dead at the scene.
The driver of the Volvo, a 44-year-old man from Oak View, was critically injured and airlifted to Ventura County Medical Center. Two other passengers in the Volvo, a 35-year-old man and a 71-year-old woman, sustained moderate injuries and were transported to Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital for treatment.
In addition to the human casualties, two dogs were killed, one from each vehicle, while a third dog in the Volvo survived and was later picked up by a family member.
This devastating crash has left the families of Perez and Ceja grieving during the holiday season. The investigation into the cause of the accident is ongoing.
