Richardson Ayala, a hard working 67-year-old food truck driver from Anaheim was trying to make a left turn last night in Santa Ana at 10:45 p.m. when a Chevrolet Trailblazer that was going in the opposite direction slammed into the food truck, according to the SAPD.
On October 7, 2025, at approximately 10:45 p.m., the Santa Ana Police Department received multiple reports of a traffic collision involving a vehicle and a pedestrian in the area of Broadway Avenue and Warner Avenue.
Officers, along with Orange County Fire Authority (OCFA), responded to the scene and discovered that the driver of the food vending truck had been ejected, and the truck had rolled over on top of him.
The driver, identified as Richardson Ayala (67) of Anaheim, was pronounced deceased at the scene by OCFA first responders.
The driver of the second vehicle was transported to a local hospital with minor injuries.
Based on the preliminary investigation, the food vending truck was traveling westbound on Warner Ave. when the driver attempted to make a left-hand turn in front of oncoming traffic.
The food truck was struck by a vehicle traveling in the opposite direction, causing the food truck to overturn and eject Ayala.
The Santa Ana Police Department’s Collision Investigation Unit (CIU) is investigating this incident. Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective J. Martinez at (714) 245-8207 or the Santa Ana Police Department’s Traffic Division at (714) 245-8200.
What may have caused this collision?
Here are some possible factors that may have contributed to the tragic accident that took the life of Richardson Ayala:
- Visibility and lighting: The crash occurred at 10:45 p.m., so poor lighting or visibility may have played a role.
- Intersection layout: Warner Avenue and South Broadway may have limited sightlines or confusing traffic patterns.
- Left turn dynamics: Ayala was making a left turn across oncoming traffic, which is inherently risky, especially if there’s misjudgment of speed or distance.
- Speed of the SUV: While police say it’s unclear if speed was a factor, excessive speed could have reduced the SUV driver’s ability to react.
- Vehicle types: A food truck is heavier and less maneuverable than a Trailblazer, which could affect the severity of the impact and the outcome.
- Seatbelt use: Ayala was partially ejected, which may suggest he wasn’t wearing a seatbelt, though that hasn’t been confirmed.
- Driver distraction or fatigue: Either driver could have been tired or distracted, especially late at night.
Possible Repercussions for the SUV Driver
- Legal liability: If the investigation finds the SUV driver was speeding, distracted, or otherwise negligent, they could face civil liability for wrongful death or personal injury.
- Insurance consequences: Their insurance may be liable for damages, and their premiums could increase significantly.
- Criminal charges: If any form of reckless driving is proven, charges could be filed—even if DUI is not suspected.
- Emotional impact: Even if not legally at fault, being involved in a fatal crash can have lasting psychological effects.