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Castaic Woman Killed In 5 Freeway Big Rig Crash Identified 

A Castaic woman has been identified as the pedestrian killed in a 5 Freeway big rig crash on Monday. 

Hailey Smither, 28, from Castaic was killed in the crash, said Sarah Ardalani, spokesperson for the Los Angeles County Coroner’s Office. 

Initial Story

Around 2:20 a.m. Monday, first responders received reports of a traffic collision on the northbound 5 Freeway near Lake Hughes Road in Castaic, said Officer Josh Greengard, spokesperson for the California Highway Patrol, (CHP) Newhall Area Office, at the time of the incident. 

“A white International Navistar was traveling northbound on I-5 Golden State Freeway, north of Lake Hughes Road at approximately 55 mph, when a female pedestrian ran across traffic lanes and was struck,” a CHP report read. 

The vehicle collided with Smither within traffic lanes, which propelled the victim several feet before coming to rest, according to CHP officials. 

Smither was pronounced dead on arrival by paramedics with the Los Angeles County Fire Department.

The incident remains under investigation, and no manner of death has been released to the public. 

Reintroducing Hailey Rose

In a recent Facebook post by Smither, she discussed that she was rebuilding her life after experiencing severe health issues and was excited to start selling her own ceramic artwork, Hailey Rose Ceramics, after having to drop her passion due to her other struggles. 

“I have gained stronger sense of self love and trust and new compassion for others who are suffering,” wrote Smither in a post dated May 1. “I have a new appreciation for life. I am truly SO (sic) happy to be alive with you and able to share my creations. But I don’t want to stop there.”

Mental Health Resources

Anyone seeking information about mental health resources available in the Santa Clarita Valley can look here for a list of resources. There are 24-hour phone numbers available. In the event of an emergency, 911 should always be the first call. Those looking to speak with someone can call:

  • 1-800-273-8255 for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
  • 1-800-854-7771 for the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health
  • 1-800-784-2433 for the Treatment Advocacy Center
  • 661-259-9439 for the SCV Child & Family Center
  • 661-288-4800 for the Santa Clarita Valley Mental Health Center
  • 661- 765-8445 for Insight Treatment Santa Clarita
  • 800-852-8336 for the Teen Line Peer Suicide Prevention 6-10 p.m.  or text TEEN to 839863
  • 1-866-488-7386 for the Trevor Project LGBTQ suicide helpline


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Castaic Woman Killed In 5 Freeway Big Rig Crash Identified 

7 comments

  1. This is so very sad! Taken in the prime of her life. Life is so fragile, each day is a blessing. May she rest in peace. <3

  2. I think it’s sad that you took her personal information off her social media and posted it!

  3. This is a tragedy beyond words. Hailey was one of the strongest, most beautiful, most talented, and innocent souls to ever walk this Earth. What we have lost is immeasurable. She will never be forgotten. May her spirit and memory live eternal in our hearts.

  4. A tragedy, certainly.
    But WHY was she trying to run across the freeway after bar closing time?

  5. None of your business

    Hailey was my friend, and it is absolutely disgusting that you mentioned her health problems along with all of those stupid suicide prevention recourses, implying that that’s what happened when the cause was still under investigation at the time you posted this stupid article and has since been determined to have been an accident. People who knew and loved her have been beating themselves up over her “suicide” and that’s not even what happened.

    • As a follower of hers I am truly glad to hear it wasn’t suicide as it is being portrayed. It hurt me to think she was that sad. Either way it is tragic and I am praying for her family.

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About Louie Diaz

Louie was born and raised in Santa Clarita. At the age of two Louie lost his vision due to a brain tumor. However, Louie doesn't let blindness stop him from doing what ever it is he wants to accomplish. Growing up some of his favorite hobbies were wood working, fishing and riding bikes. Louie graduated from College of the Canyon in December of 2017, with a Broadcast Journalism degree. Growing up Louie has always wanted to be a fire fighter or a police officer, but because of his blindness Louie knew that wouldn't work. Louie has always loved listening to police and fire radio traffic, using a scanner, and he figured if he was going to listen to the scanner so much, he should do something with it.