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Hemet, CA (September 11, 2026) – A 32-year-old Canyon Lake man died early Thursday, September 10, after driving the wrong way on Domenigoni Parkway and colliding with a pickup near Warren Road, according to Hemet police. Jordan Fontenot was driving a silver SUV eastbound in the westbound lanes when it struck a blue pickup around 12:19 a.m.
Fontenot was unresponsive and pronounced dead at the scene. The pickup’s driver stayed at the scene and is cooperating with the investigation. Impaired driving appears to be a factor, police said.
Westbound Domenigoni Parkway was closed between Sanderson Avenue and Warren Road for about six hours before reopening.
Our condolences go out to Fontenot’s family and loved ones.
Why Does Impairment So Factor Into Wrong-Way Crashes?
Recognizing that a vehicle is traveling in the wrong direction requires processing visual cues quickly, something impairment can significantly slow down or prevent entirely. A driver whose judgment is affected may not register that they’ve entered oncoming lanes until it’s too late to correct course.
Impairment also affects reaction time broadly, which compounds the danger once a wrong-way situation is already underway, since both drivers involved have less opportunity to avoid a head-on collision. Overnight hours, when this kind of crash occurs, further reduce visibility for anyone who might otherwise notice the danger sooner.
Investigators typically confirm impairment through toxicology results, combined with physical evidence like the vehicles’ paths and any witness accounts. This kind of confirmation helps establish the full circumstances behind a wrong-way crash like this one, beyond just the immediate cause of the collision.
