SIMI VALLEY : Man, 18, Dies From Accident Injuries

An 18-year-old Simi Valley man died Monday from head injuries suffered during the weekend when his Volkswagen van was struck head-on by a suspected drunk driver who was critically injured in the accident, authorities said.

Jason James Meyer died at Simi Valley Hospital about 1 p.m., Ventura County Deputy Coroner Jim Wingate said.

Meyer’s death will probably lead Simi Valley police to seek charges of manslaughter in addition to drunk driving against Simi Valley resident Jaime Herrera, 40, Lt. Don Austin said.

Herrera was driving west on Los Angeles Avenue east of Ralston Street about 12:20 a.m. Sunday when he swerved across the center line and rammed into Meyer’s van, according to Wingate and a statement from the Simi Valley Police Department.

Jesus Silva, 17, of Simi Valley, a passenger in Herrera’s car, was treated and released at Simi Valley Hospital for a broken collarbone and cuts to his face, police said.

Herrera remained in critical condition Monday night, a nursing supervisor said.