The Medical Examiner's office identified one of two victims killed in a head-on crash that split their car in half in unincorporated Lakeside Thursday morning.
The two cars collided on Wildcat Canyon Road near Willow Road at about 6:30 a.m., CHP Officer Travis Garrow said.
A Honda Accord carrying a 53-year-old man and 21-year-old Ashley Kay, both from El Cajon, was speeding southbound at the same time a Porsche SUV with a 43-year-old Santee woman inside was heading northbound, CHP said.
The Honda veered to the road's outside curb and the driver appeared to over-correct, driving into the path of the Porsche, Garrow said. It was not clear who was behind the wheel in the Honda at the time.
"The force of the collision was so great it caused the Honda to be cut in half, basically right down the middle," Garrow said.
The crash ejected both passengers and they landed in the street, he said.
The man was pronounced dead at the scene. Kay was taken to Sharp Memorial Hospital in a helicopter where she died from her injuries, Garrow said.
Kay's family released a statement hours later.
"We cherished every moment we got to spend with you, she was so young and could have done anything she wanted anytime she wanted, she will be greatly missed and will forever be in our hearts."
The woman in the Porsche was transported via ambulance to Sharp Memorial Hospital with major injuries. She was expected to survive, Garrow said.
Garrow said everyone was believed to have been wearing their seatbelts at the time of the crash.
It was not clear if drugs or alcohol were factors.
CHP is continuing their investigation into the crash and is looking for possible witnesses. Anyone with information can call 619-401-2000.