US Navy sailors killed in fiery I-5 crash identified

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

Stephen Jermaine Williams, 37, and Jess Lee Davis, 38, were named as the two motorcyclists affiliated with the military killed in the pile-up. Both were highly decorated officers, according to naval officials, who had been based in San Diego during their respective careers.

The third individual killed in the crash on Thursday, a civilian, has not yet been identified, nor has any additional information about the people injured been disclosed.

“The Navy family mourns the loss of two shipmates in Thursday’s traffic accident,” U.S. Navy spokesperson Brian O’Rourke said. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the Sailors’ families, friends and coworkers, and we ask they be afforded privacy during this difficult time.”

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

Since enlisting in 2006, the sailor had earned decorations like a Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, three Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals, and a Meritorious Unit Commendation among other things.

Davis, a Culinary Specialist Submarines 1st Class originally from Tennessee, was stationed on the USS Alexandria in Los Angeles prior to the collision. He had previously been based at Naval Base Point Loma at least two times during his career, military officials said.

He enlisted in 2005, earning several awards like two Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals and a National Defense Service Medal.

The collision, which involved two cars and four motorcycles, happened just before 3 a.m. near the Las Pulgas exit on southbound I-5. The “chain reaction” crash began after a Jeep veered off the roadway, California Highway Patrol said.

As a result of the crash, all lanes of southbound I-5 were closed for seven hours, with two reopening around 11 a.m. The scene was completely cleared 12 hours after the incident.

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