U.S. Navy officials identify sailors killed in I-5 crash near Camp Pendleton

A fatal accident near Camp Pendleton on June 27, 2024. (Sideo.TV)

SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) — The two U.S. Navy sailors who died in a fiery chain-reaction crash on Interstate 5 near Camp Pendleton that killed one other person and injured five others have been identified Friday by military officials.

Stephen Jermaine Williams, 37, and Jess Lee Davis, 38, were identified as the two military-affiliated motorcyclists killed in the crash. Both were highly decorated officers, according to Navy officials, who had been based in San Diego during their respective careers.

The third person killed in Thursday's crash, a civilian, has not yet been identified, and no additional information about those injured has been released.

“The Navy family mourns the loss of two of their shipmates in Thursday’s traffic accident,” Navy spokesman Brian O’Rourke said. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the families, friends and colleagues of the sailors, and we ask that they be granted privacy during this difficult time.”

Williams, a damage inspector 1st class from Texas, was last stationed at the Southwest Regional Maintenance Center in San Diego. He was between duty stations at the time of the accident, according to a Navy spokesman.

Since enlisting in 2006, the sailor had earned decorations such as a Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, three Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals and a Meritorious Unit Commendation, among others.

Davis, a Culinary Specialty Submarine 1st Class from Tennessee, was stationed on the USS Alexandria in Los Angeles before the collision. He had previously been based at Naval Station Point Loma at least twice during his career, military officials said.

He enlisted in 2005 and earned several awards, including two Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals and a National Defense Service Medal.

The collision, which involved two cars and four motorcycles, happened shortly before 3 a.m. near the Las Pulgas exit on southbound I-5. The chain crash started after a Jeep left the road, the California Highway Patrol said.

Following the crash, all lanes of southbound I-5 were closed for seven hours, with two of them reopened around 11 a.m. The scene was completely cleared 12 hours after the incident.

The investigation into the collision is still ongoing. At this time, it is unknown whether drugs or alcohol played a role in the collision.