ONTARIO, Calif. — A Los Angeles County high school basketball coach and his wife were among three people killed in a devastating chain-reaction crash involving multiple vehicles, including several semitrucks, on the 10 Freeway earlier this week.
The fatal collision occurred Tuesday afternoon in Ontario, California, triggering a fiery pileup that left three dead and four others hospitalized. Authorities say the crash involved several passenger vehicles and big rigs, though the exact cause remains under investigation.
Pomona Unified School District confirmed that Clarence Nelson, a former assistant basketball coach at Pomona High School, and his wife, Lisa Nelson, were among the victims. The district did not immediately release further details, but tributes have poured in from students, colleagues, and community members.
“Coach was one of the best human beings I’ve ever met,” said a former player in a social media post. “He believed in us when no one else did. Lisa was just as kind and supportive — they were a team in every sense.”
Pomona High School shared a photo of Clarence Nelson on its Facebook page, writing simply, “RIP Coach Nelson and his wife. 🕊️ Prayers to the family.” The post has since been flooded with messages of grief and gratitude.
California Highway Patrol spokesman Officer Rodrigo Jimenez reflected on the emotional toll of the tragedy. “The hardest part is knowing that at least three of these individuals will not have a Christmas, will not make it home as we get into the holiday season,” he said.
Local officials and advocacy groups have renewed calls for stricter oversight of commercial trucking operations, citing the frequency of deadly crashes on California’s highways.
A candlelight vigil is being planned by Pomona High School students and alumni to honor the Nelsons’ legacy. Funeral arrangements are pending, and the community continues to rally around the grieving families.
