The 29-year-old was on his way to work Sunday around 4 am when the California Highway Patrol says he rear-ended a tractor hauling farm equipment just outside of Tipton.
"So the crash itself is still under investigation. We do have preliminary reports that indicate speed may have been a factor," explains CHP Officer Adrian Gonzalez.
The CHP says the tractor and trailer had proper signage, and the driver is cooperating with the investigation.
Officer Corona died at the scene.
Former colleagues are still trying to process the sudden loss.
"It was so sad because he's a young man with a young family, and my heart goes out to the mom and the daughter. But then it was, wow, this is like the second officer we've lost in a year span. That was hard to swallow," expresses Jenna Chavez, the principal at Parlier High School.
It's where Officer Corona spent five months as a School Resource Officer earlier this year, where he helped guide and mentor students.
"He had a great smile about him. In times of tough moments, he would smile and he had a laugh that was super infectious," says Chavez.
Chavez mentions that before Officer Corona, Officer Juan Rodriguez was the SRO.
He also passed away last year, and there is a plaque on campus in his remembrance.
The community is now working to honor the legacy of Officer Corona and his lasting impact during his short time.
"Very intuitive, very empathetic towards our students, very nurturing to our students, to our staff. He was just someone easy to get along with, and someone who really respected the community and took his role seriously as an officer," says Dr. Rafael Iniguez, Parlier Unified Superintendent.
Officer Corona leaves behind a young daughter and a wife.
The CHP says the crash investigation will take between four to eight weeks to complete. Anyone who may have information can contact their Visalia office.
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