Jhenéy Wallace, a 20-year-old college basketball player with aspirations of reaching the WNBA, died Wednesday in a single-vehicle rollover crash on a perilous section of California's I-15 freeway.
Wallace was pronounced dead at the scene after the vehicle she was traveling in plunged down an approximately 80-foot embankment in the Cajon Pass. The San Bernardino County Fire Department reported that two other adults in the car sustained critical injuries. One individual was airlifted to a hospital, while the other was transported via sled before an ambulance took them to medical care.
Sources indicate Wallace was a passenger and not the driver of the Hyundai Veloster. Her mother, Tamara Wallace, identified the other occupants as a friend and the friend's mother. "She was a great daughter," Tamara Wallace told KTLA. "She was my best friend, my first-born. Always kept me smiling and encouraged me to do things. She was the best sister to her little sister and brother, very bubbly, always happy and loving."
Wallace was a freshman forward at Victorville Community College and had recently completed her first year. She appeared in 24 games during the 2025-26 season, starting one, and was expected to play a more significant role in the upcoming 2026-27 season. The women's basketball team at Victorville College posted on Instagram mourning her loss, calling her "more than a teammate – she was a friend, a daughter, a sister, cousin, granddaughter, and a cherished member of our Ram family whose impact will never be forgotten."
San Bernardino County Fire Department noted the challenging rescue conditions, stating, "The coordinated efforts of firefighters, paramedics, and our cooperating agencies insured rapid access to the patients despite the hazardous conditions and triple digit temperatures." The department highlighted that "Incidents of this nature highlight the specialized training and teamwork required to operate safely in a complex rescue environment."
Cajon Pass Dangers
The I-15 through the Cajon Pass is known for its steep grades and sharp curves, creating a high-risk environment for drivers. According to county officials, in 2022, the roadway saw 48 traffic fatalities, equating to 20.4 deaths per 100,000 people.
A GoFundMe campaign established to assist with funeral costs and other expenses quickly surpassed its $15,000 goal. A memorial service was scheduled for Sunday evening to celebrate Wallace's life. "Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your love, support, and generosity as we celebrate Jhenéy's life and keep her memory alive," her mother stated.