Camarillo, CA (March 25, 2025) – Authorities have identified the two young men killed in a tragic early morning collision last week on Highway 101 in Camarillo as 21-year-old Goleta residents Dong Shan Ma and Mason W. Ryan, according to the Ventura County Medical Examiner’s Office.
The fatal crash occurred just before 3:00 a.m. on Monday, March 17, along the northbound side of Highway 101 near the Carmen Dr exit. California Highway Patrol reports indicate that Ma and Ryan were inside a 2013 Volkswagen Jetta that had come to a stop in the highway’s center median when it was rear-ended by a 2015 Ford Mustang driven by a 19-year-old man from Santa Barbara.
The force of the impact caused the Jetta to ignite in flames. Despite emergency efforts, both Ma and Ryan died from the injuries they sustained in the wreck. The driver of the Mustang suffered injuries described as non-life-threatening, though his current condition has not been released.
According to the medical examiner, Dong Shan Ma died as a result of blunt-force trauma to the head and chest, while Mason Ryan's cause of death was attributed to thermal injuries and inhalation of combustion products. Their deaths were ruled accidental.
The devastating collision remains under investigation as authorities work to understand what led to the Jetta being stopped in the median and the subsequent impact.
Our deepest condolences go out to the families and loved ones of Dong Shan Ma and Mason W. Ryan during this time of immense grief.
Fatal Highway Crashes and Fire Hazards in California
This heartbreaking crash on Highway 101 is a sobering reminder of the extreme dangers associated with high-speed freeway travel and post-collision fires. Incidents involving vehicles stopped on highways—especially during nighttime or early morning hours—are often fatal due to limited visibility, high speeds, and the risk of secondary impacts.
In this case, the collision resulted in a vehicle fire, a particularly dangerous outcome that significantly reduces survival chances for occupants. Fires in vehicle crashes can be caused by ruptured fuel lines, electrical malfunctions, or explosive impact energy. The Jetta ignited after the Mustang struck it from behind, leaving little opportunity for Ma and Ryan to escape.
Highway 101 near Camarillo is a heavily trafficked corridor, and even in low-traffic periods such as the early morning hours, speeds remain high and drivers may have reduced reaction times. For young adults and college-age individuals like Ma and Ryan, the loss resonates deeply in both local and university communities.
Authorities continue to investigate the events leading up to the crash, including why the Jetta was stationary in the median and whether mechanical issues or other factors played a role.
In the wake of a fatal crash, families face not only the emotional loss but also the logistical and legal challenges of navigating a sudden tragedy. Accessing support can be a crucial step in beginning the process of healing.
Losing a loved one in a devastating crash is beyond heartbreaking. At Local Accident Reports, we’re here to help families take the first steps forward—from understanding your rights to finding compassionate legal and recovery resources. Contact us today to learn how we can support you in seeking answers, accountability, and care.
