Ramona man killed in morning crash in Lakeside

The driver killed in a head-on crash in Lakeside this morning, originally reported to be from Chula Vista, was a Ramona resident, according to the medical examiner’s office. The 32-year-old man’s name is not being released until his family is notified.

According to the California Highway Patrol, Benjamin Jessop, 51, of Utah was westbound on Lake Jennings Road about 5 this morning when a 2003 Dodge Dakota came over the hill on the wrong side of the road as Jessop approached the top of the hill near Jack Oak Road.

Jessop, who was driving a 2004 Dodge dually truck, swerved to the left and applied his brakes, but he was unable to avoid a collision and struck the Dakota head-on, said CHP Officer Brian Pennings.

The Ramona man was pronounced dead at the scene. Jessop complained of pain to his back and was taken to Sharp Memorial Hospital.

Due to the nature of the collision, the westbound lane was blocked and westbound traffic was closed for cleanup and investigation, Pennings reported.

The cause of the collision is under investigation, but, Pennings said, at the time of the initial report there was no evidence of drugs or alcohol.

According to the medical examiner’s office, the deceased man was apparently married.