Authorities identify victims of fatal I-5 crash south of Los Banos

The Merced County Sheriff Coroner’s Office has released the names of the two people killed in a multiple vehicle crash on Interstate 5 just south of Los Banos on Saturday.

According to Deputy Daryl Allen, the driver, Joseph Haddad, 63, and passenger, Brenda Haddad, 53, both of Contra Costa County, were killed in the multiple vehicle crash on I-5 near the John Erreca Rest Area.

A memorial fund for Mr. and Mrs. Haddad has been set up by the family.

According to the CHP, northbound I-5 traffic had slowed and eventually came to a stop in the area at about 4:30 p.m.. A big rig failed to stop and hit a 2018 Chevrolet Malibu, killing the driver and passenger, the CHP said.

The Malibu then rolled into another vehicle, which caused a collision with other vehicles, according to the CHP.

One other driver was taken to a hospital with moderate injuries, the CHP said.

This story was originally published July 13, 2020 at 12:36 PM.