Arroyo Grande man identified as victims in fatal Santa Maria crash

July 10, 2018

Jesse Angel Plata

A total of four people died following a two-vehicle crash in Santa Maria Friday night, and one of the victims was a 27-year-old Arroyo Grande man. [Cal Coast Times]

Santa Maria police have identified Jesse Angel Plata, Jr. as one of the victims who died in the crash at Stowell and Blosser roads. It appears Plata died at the hospital after being airlifted from the scene of the crash. Police initially said the crash killed three people and injured two.

Shortly after 11 p.m., a Santa Maria police officer noticed a Toyota Tundra pickup driving recklessly on Stowell Road near the JC Penny parking lot. A short time later, the Toyota pickup truck and a Cadillac Escalade collided.

Three people inside the Cadillac were killed in the crash. Responders transported a fourth passenger to Marian Regional Medical Center.

A Calstar helicopter flew the driver of the Toyota truck to Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital. The driver, who appears to have been Plata, died a few hours later at the hospital.

Santa Maria police have identified the three other victims as Leonicelle Abaigar, 47, from Texas; Necitas Santa Maria, 52, from Washington; and a 13-year-old female juvenile from Texas.

An investigation into the collision is ongoing. Police have not said whether drugs or alcohol are suspected as factors.


Looks like a kid died due to some adult’s negligence, damn! !3! Jeez, not even a chance to get into her teens and she’s gone. My condolences to all involved and I hope they can find the reason this happened and hold those responsible accountable.


Seems odd the call the perp a victim. He is only a victim of himself according to the article. The people in the other car are the victims of his reckless driving.


“George Bailey” When your investigation is complete and your report filed with the SMPD we will cover it.