Temecula Man And His Dog Killed In Wine Country Crash

TEMECULA, CA — A Temecula man died after suffering major injuries in a head-on crash Wednesday afternoon in wine country, and the California Highway Patrol confirmed he was not wearing a seat belt.

One of the man's canine companions was also killed in the wreck, the CHP said.

Steven Lowe, 71, was pronounced dead at Wildomar's Inland Valley Medical Center about 45 minutes after the 2:14 p.m. crash at Calle Contento, just north of Madera de Playa Drive, according to the Riverside County Sheriff-Coroner's Bureau and information provided by Cal Fire/Riverside County Fire Department and the CHP.

Lowe was heading south in a 2004 Chevrolet Tracker "at an undetermined speed" when he crossed into northbound traffic and smashed head-on into a 2015 Mercedes-Benz SUV, the CHP reported.

A seat-belted 52-year-old woman driving the Mercedes suffered major injuries and was sent to Inland Valley Medical Center, according to the CHP. An update on her condition was unavailable.

"Seat belts can safe lives," CHP Officer Mike Lassig said following the crash.

There were two dogs inside Lowe's Chevy — one died in the wreck and the other was released to Riverside County Department of Animal Services, the CHP reported.

The CHP Temecula Area office is continuing to investigate Wednesday's crash. Witnesses are asked to contact the CHP Temecula Area at 951-506-2000.