The California Highway Patrol (CHP) investigators are working to determine the cause of a single-vehicle crash that occurred Tuesday near Lompoc. and claimed the life of the driver.
On July 2, 2025, at 12:21 p.m., CHP San Luis Obispo Communication Center received a call of a single vehicle crash on West Ocean Avenue near Douglas Avenue. Buellton CHP officers, Santa Barbara Sheriff’s Office deputies, Santa Barbara County Fire and Lompoc City Fire Department personnel responded.
“Preliminary investigation by the responding officers determined that a 2018 Chevrolet truck, traveling westbound, left the north road edge, overturned, and rolled into the dry concrete irrigation canal west of Douglas Avenue. The driver and sole occupant of the Chevrolet sustained fatal injuries,” the CHP report stated.
It was later determined the driver was 32-year-old Joseph Isaac Medina, founder of the popular Birria Boyz food truck.
“This is a tragic day for the family and the community,” said Buellton Area Commander Lieutenant Jason Bronson. “Our officers were at the crash scene with many of those family members, and I hope our investigation can provide some closure.”
Medina, also known as “Big Joe,” leaves behind his partner, Cassie Jennings, and their five children, according to a GoFundMe fundraiser.
He was “the heart and soul” behind the The Birria Boyz food truck, a business that served the Central Coast since 2021 that his loved ones state he built from his passion for food, family, and community.
“His tacos were famous, but even more so was the way he treated people making everyone feel like family. Whether you were a customer, friend, or stranger, Joe welcomed you into his circle with open arms,” the fundraising page states.
“He was a man full of life, laughter, and love known for his big smile, contagious energy, and golden heart. He was sarcastic and funny, but also deeply kind, generous, and hardworking,” the fundraiser states.
Medina’s family created the online fundraiser to cover funeral expenses and immediate financial need of the family. As of Friday the fundraiser had brought in over $17,000 of their $50,000 goal.
This investigation is still ongoing. Anyone with additional information about this incident should call the Buellton Area CHP office at (805) 691-6160.
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