Woman helping crash victims on San Diego freeway hit by vehicle, killed

SAN DIEGO (KGTV) - A young woman who stopped to check on other drivers involved in a multi-vehicle collision on state Route 94 Thursday morning was struck by an SUV and killed.

Family and friends held a vigil for Bertha Estrada Thursday evening near the E-94 onramp on F Street.

Friends remembered her as someone with a huge heart. They were shocked to hear about her sudden death.  A friend said her social media accounts show she was out with friends for Halloween Wednesday night. They were headed home when they came across a car crash on the highway.

The incident happened at about 1:45 a.m. on eastbound SR-94 near 30th Street, according to the California Highway Patrol.

CHP officials said the wreck involved a Honda Civic and Mercedes-Benz sedan, prompting a couple to stop and help the crash victims.

After checking on the occupants of the Civic, CHP officials said Estrada ran across the freeway to check on a couple in the Mercedes when she was hit by a Jeep SUV.

CHP officials said the impact sent Estrada onto the westbound lanes, where she was hit by another vehicle.

Estrada was declared dead at the scene. She leaves behind a one-year-old son, relatives said.

10News learned the Jeep's driver and two people in the Mercedes were taken to the hospital with minor injuries. Investigators say alcohol was not a factor in the crash.

Eastbound SR-94 lanes were reopened at around 5 a.m. after being closed for at least three hours.

The incident remains under investigation.

Estrada's family established a GoFundMe account in her honor.