Northbound State Route 14 near Via Princessa: a pickup rolled several times after a collision, and a 28-year-old Lancaster man died
SANTA CLARITA, CALIFORNIA (October 8, 2026): Semaj Weldon, 28, of Lancaster, was killed on Thursday afternoon, October 8, in a crash on the northbound 14 Freeway in the Canyon Country area of Santa Clarita, according to the California Highway Patrol and the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner, as reported by The Signal, KHTS and City News Service. The CHP began receiving calls from motorists at about 4:15 p.m.
CHP spokesman Carlos Burgos-Lopez told The Signal that the multivehicle crash happened in the northbound lanes near Cedar Valley Road, a small street between Sierra Highway and Via Princessa. KHTS, citing CHP incident logs and initial reports, said the crash near the Via Princessa exit involved two vehicles and that a pickup truck flipped several times and damaged the center divider. Weldon was pronounced dead, according to officials.
Initial reports cited by KHTS said witnesses saw a person run from the scene on foot. The CHP has not confirmed that account, and it has not said who was driving each vehicle or what caused the crash. Burgos-Lopez said more details about the people involved were expected in a statement on Friday afternoon. No arrest has been announced.
Anyone who saw the crash or has dashcam video from the northbound 14 near Via Princessa can contact Officer Hotaki of the CHP Newhall Area office at 661-600-1600.
Liability for the Canyon Country 14 Freeway Crash
Under California Civil Code § 1714, every driver is responsible for harm caused by a failure to use ordinary care. Vehicle Code § 22350 prohibits speeds that are unsafe for conditions, and Vehicle Code § 20001 requires any driver involved in a crash that injures or kills someone to stop, render aid and provide identification. Based on what has been released, the questions include:
- The first impact: The CHP described a multivehicle crash. How the vehicles first made contact, and which driver started the sequence, is the starting point of any claim.
- The rollover: A pickup rolled several times and struck the center divider, according to initial reports. Speed and steering inputs before the rollover will likely be part of the reconstruction.
- A person leaving on foot: Witnesses reportedly saw someone run from the scene. If a driver involved left without helping or identifying themselves, Section 20001 can apply and the conduct can weigh in a civil claim.
- Insurance coverage: With more than one vehicle involved, several auto policies may apply, and uninsured motorist coverage may matter if a responsible driver is never identified.
Weldon’s family may bring a wrongful death claim under Code of Civil Procedure § 377.60 against anyone found responsible. That claim is separate from the CHP investigation and from any decision about criminal charges.
Steps to Take After a Canyon Country Freeway Crash
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, rollover crashes are among the deadliest types of collisions for people inside a vehicle. In a busy freeway corridor like the 14, video and witness accounts are often the most valuable evidence.
- Request the CHP report: Ask the CHP Newhall Area office for the case number and the traffic collision report once it is complete.
- Look for dashcam video: Drivers heading north on the 14 around 4:15 p.m. may have recorded the crash. Share any footage with the CHP.
- Preserve the vehicles: Ask that each vehicle be kept, not salvaged, until it can be inspected and its event data recorder downloaded.
- Request Medical Examiner records: The family can ask the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner for the autopsy and toxicology reports when they are complete.
Wrongful death claims generally must be filed within two years under Code of Civil Procedure § 335.1. If the freeway’s design, barrier or signs maintained by Caltrans are examined, a government claim is generally due within six months under Government Code § 911.2. Contact an attorney promptly to protect your rights.
Investigating the Canyon Country 14 Freeway Crash
We at Carrazco Law, A.P.C. extend our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Semaj Weldon. Important questions remain: What caused the collision on the northbound 14 that sent the pickup rolling? And who was the person witnesses reportedly saw running from the scene?
If you or a loved one has been injured in a car, truck or pedestrian accident anywhere in California, our personal injury attorneys can help you understand your rights and legal options. Call us anytime at (800) 541-3244. Se Habla Español. Free consultation.
Published on October 9, 2026 by M.M., Carrazco Law, A.P.C. The incident described in this article occurred on October 8, 2026.
