US Navy Sailors Killed in I-5 Crash Identified

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

Stephen Jermaine Williams, 37, and Jess Lee Davis, 38, were the two military-affiliated motorcyclists killed in the crash. Both were highly decorated, 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 our shipmates in Thursday's traffic accident,” said U.S. Navy spokesman Brian O'Rourke. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the sailors’ families, friends and colleagues, and we ask that they be given some privacy during this difficult time.” »

Williams, a Damage Controller 1st Class originally from Texas, was last stationed at the Southwest Regional Maintenance Center in San Diego. According to a Navy spokesperson, he was between duty stations at the time of the accident.

Car crashes into structure in La Mesa, injuring one

Since enlisting in 2006, the sailor has received 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 submarine culinary specialist first 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, earning 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 lanes reopened around 11 a.m. The scene was completely cleared 12 hours after the incident.

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

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports and streaming video, visit FOX 5 San Diego and KUSI News.