This article follows up on a story we covered earlier. You can read the original report here
El Cajon, CA (January 22, 2026) – Authorities have identified the pedestrian killed in a crash on westbound Interstate 8 near the Mollison Avenue on-ramp as 21-year-old Naryon Nicholas Esplain. The fatal incident occurred in the early morning hours of January 17.
According to the San Diego County Medical Examiner’s Office, Esplain was struck by a vehicle while attempting to cross I-8 at approximately 1:18 a.m. He suffered severe injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene roughly 15 minutes later, at 1:32 a.m.
The California Highway Patrol previously reported that the driver involved remained at the scene and attempted to alert other motorists by signaling them to slow down. Officials determined that neither drugs nor alcohol played a role in the crash, and the driver fully cooperated with the investigation.
The area where the crash occurred was described as dark, and there was no indication that Esplain was associated with a stalled vehicle or another traffic incident. CHP officers and emergency crews responded quickly, but the westbound lanes of I-8 experienced temporary closures during the investigation.
We extend our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Naryon Esplain during this difficult time.
