Beloved Temecula Winery Worker Severely Hurt In Crash

TEMECULA, CA — On the evening of Feb. 23 after getting off another long shift at Oak Mountain winery in Temecula, Jamie Valenzuela took his usual route back to his home in Hemet. Only he wasn't able to make it all the way back.

At approximately 5:40 p.m. on Sage Road near Benji Lane, he hit a hole in the roadway causing him to make an "unsafe turning movement" into oncoming traffic, according to the California Highway Patrol and the statement he provided the agency. His 1997 Honda Civic was t-boned and crushed by a 2005 Chevy Silverado that could not stop in time.

CHP Officer Mike Lassig tells Patch that neither driver was speeding, according to their statements, and both were wearing seatbelts. However, the impact of the crash destroyed Valenzuela's car and inflicted major injuries on the man. The other driver was not hurt.

"The crash was so violent, even his steel toe work boots had to be cut off his feet because they were cutting his toes off," his work colleague Travis Poper said of the crash. "Jaime spent 45 minutes trapped in the wreckage of his car while they tried to extract him. He remained [conscious] the entire time."

Poper, whose family owns Oak Mountain Winery in Temecula, said Valenzuela is the vineyard manager and is usually the one who takes care of all the crews and ensures operations run smoothly. Now, it's Poper's turn to return the favor and help take care of his friend. He's started a GoFundMe to help Valenzuela— who doesn't have insurance — and his family in this time of need.

"He's usually out front and he's our first point of contact and everyone in the valley knows him," Poper told Patch. "He can't even sit up for five minutes and he's already talking about going back to work"

Unfortunately, it may be some time before Valenzuela can get back to work after this crash. He's already had five surgeries and remains hospitalized at Inland Valley hospital, according to Poper.

Poper said money raised via the GoFundMe account will help Valenzuela's family, as he is the sole breadwinner in the household. Click here if you would like to help.

The Temecula CHP is still investigating the crash.

— Images via GoFundMe / GoFundMe is a Patch promotional partner.