A 79-year-old man and his 77-year-old wife died Monday night after the Toyota sedan he was driving stopped on Interstate 8 in La Mesa and was hit by another car, according to the county Medical Examiner’s Office.
James Allina and Rosalyn Allina, of La Mesa, were driving east on the freeway when, for unknown reasons, their car became stationary with its lights off in the third lane near Fletcher Parkway, the Medical Examiner’s Office said.
Around 7:20 p.m., a Dodge SUV struck the Toyota from behind and then a Kia sedan hit the Dodge, according to investigators. The Toyota was pushed into the far left lane.
Witnesses called 911 and pulled the Allinas out of their car, officials said. The bystanders performed lifesaving measures until paramedics arrived.
James died before he could be taken to a hospital. Rosalyn was taken to a nearby emergency department, where she died, the Medical Examiner’s Office said.
The crash is under investigation.
