FALLBROOK (CNS) - A 19-year-old star athlete critically injured in a head-on collision was hospitalized Sunday.
The accident on state Route 76 occurred just east of Gird Road about 7 a.m. Saturday, according to the California Highway Patrol.
A 35-year-old Oceanside man told the CHP he was driving a Ford Ranger west when he lost control and veered into oncoming traffic, colliding head-on with a Dodge Ram driven by the Fallbrook man, who was taken to Palomar Medical Center. The victim was identified as Conrad Murphy, 19.
Murphy was listed in critical condition Saturday at Palomar Medical Center with a broken left femur and major head trauma. His coach tells News 8 the star athlete missed practice this morning, and he knew something was terribly wrong.
According to Valley Center High School baseball coach Cliff Bernard, Murphy was on his way to a morning practice at the time of the accident. Murphy has gained notoriety for pitching perfect games.
The driver of the Ford Ranger suffered only minor injuries. The CHP impounded his vehicle during an investigation. It was unclear if he will face any charges.
The Ford Ranger also served as a Corky's Pest Control vehicle, and was carrying nearly 10 gallons of pesticides that spilled onto the road after the collision. The highway patrol closed the 76 near Gird Road for about five hours Saturday as county hazmat crews moved in.
Highway 76 re-opened around 1 p.m. Saturday. Meantime, Murphy's coach and teammates are now at the hospital to help comfort their injured friend and his family.