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Victim Killed In Wrong-Way Crash Was Longtime Pastor In LA County

SANTA CLARITA (CBSLA.com) — A man killed by an alleged drunken driver in a wrong-way collision in Acton was identified as a longtime pastor in Los Angeles County.

Manard Giles, 77, of Quartz Hill and two other passengers were returning home from a San Diego church retreat overnight Saturday when their Chrysler 300 was struck by a black 2006 Toyota Tundra.

"I just completely … I just completely broke down. I fell apart. I didn't know what else to really do because it was my grandfather. He's actually the one that raised me," said Eric Trull, the victim's grandson.

Police said the Tundra was heading south on those northbound lanes of the 14 Freeway above Escondido Canyon Road.

"We were still grieving over my mom and my mom was still grieving over my brother who passed away also so now … I don't know how I'm going to get through this," said Rosalyn Harris. "This is really going to be hard for me."

The California Highway Patrol has identified the driver of the Tundra as 38-year-old Bradford Pate of Burbank. According to the CHP, Pate was under the influence of alcohol. He was taken to the hospital but is expected to survive.

Family members say Giles lost his wife of 30 years last year. They say there is some comfort in knowing they're both in heaven now.

"He was actually the rock. Him and my grandmother both were the rock of this whole, entire family," Trull said.

Family Mourns Loss Of 'Their Rock' To Alleged Wrong-Way DUI Motorist

Two other people were injured in the collision, one of which was in the intensive care unit on life support. Both were listed in critical condition.

RELATED STORY: 1 Killed In Wrong-Way Collision On 14 Freeway In Acton

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