John Friedas Joaquin Jr. Identified As Bus Mechanic Who Died In Rain-Related Accident

A 32-year-old bus mechanic from Ramona who died Thursday has been identified by the San Diego Medical Examiner as John Friedas Joaquin Jr.

According to CHP, Joaquin was working inside the engine compartment of an empty, disabled San Diego Unified School bus on the southbound I-805 Thursday morning.

CHP said a 41-year-old woman driving a 2005 Nissan Altima lost control of her vehicle due to her speed on the rain-saturated road at 6:55 a.m. and struck the rear of the bus, trapping Joaquin in the engine compartment and causing major injuries.

Responding paramedics found the Ramona man alert and responsive when they arrived on scene, though he had an open compound fracture of the left femur, according to the Medical Examiner.

The Medical Examiner stated that Joaquin, who was married, was transported to Scripps Mercy Hospital in San Diego where he underwent surgery to amputate the left leg below the knee.

After being taken to the intensive care unit, Joaquin's condition "rapidly declined" and he went into cardio-respiratory arrest and later died, according to the Medical Examiner.

CHP said slick roads and speed contributed to the collision.