Fatal Crash Victim Identified as Arleta Man

A 19-year-old man who died Sunday in a May Canyon car crash that injured two others has been identified as Anthony Montano of Arleta.

The driver, Salvador Villanueva, 19, was arrested after the accident on suspicion of drunk driving, California Highway Patrol Officer Bill Jensen said Monday. Villanueva, of Arleta, was listed in serious condition Monday at Holy Cross Hospital, a hospital spokeswoman said.

A second passenger, Christopher Vasquez, 19, also of Arleta, was treated at the hospital for minor injuries and released, the spokeswoman said.

The accident occurred about 3:30 a.m. Sunday, CHP Officer Bruce Turner said. The car carrying the three men was traveling east at 25 to 35 m.p.h. through fog on a dirt road in May Canyon, northeast of Sylmar, he said.

Fog and “the influence of alcohol” prevented Villanueva from slowing in time for a curve, and the car skidded of the road and down a 235-foot embankment before landing in a dry creek bed, Turner said.

Montano, who was not wearing a seat belt, was killed after being ejected through the rear window. Villanueva and Vasquez were wearing seat belts, which might have saved them from more serious injuries, the officer said.

No court date has been set for Villanueva because of his injuries.