According to the California Highway Patrol, the fatal crash occurred at approximately 2:59am on Friday, May 29, on southbound Interstate 5 near the downtown San Diego area. Authorities say a Dodge Durango and a Honda CR-V collided head-on after one of the vehicles was traveling in the wrong direction. Verduzco, a 62-year-old Bonita resident, was transported to UC San Diego Medical Center where he later died from his injuries. The other driver was pronounced dead at the scene. The collision remains under investigation.
For thousands of San Diegans, however, Jesse Verduzco was far more than a traffic fatality statistic. Over more than three decades, Verduzco was the heart and soul behind JV’s Mexican Food, the longtime Linda Vista taco shop that became a rite of passage for generations of local residents, college students, military personnel, late-night diners, and burrito enthusiasts. Family members say Verduzco operated JV’s for 32 years, dedicating himself to both his customers and the community he loved.
Founded in 1994, JV’s grew from a neighborhood taco shop into one of San Diego’s most recognizable independent Mexican restaurants. The restaurant became particularly famous for its oversized burritos, including its popular Surf & Turf Burrito, earning a devoted following throughout the region. The eatery was frequently cited among San Diego’s must-visit burrito destinations and became especially popular with nearby University of San Diego students, many of whom considered it a staple of their college experience.
Yet those who knew Verduzco say it was never just about the food. According to a GoFundMe established to support his family, Jesse was a devoted husband to his wife Leticia of 43 years, a loving father, grandfather, protector, provider, and loyal friend whose generosity touched countless lives.
“He was a man who left this world better than he found it,” organizers wrote. “He gave selflessly, stood up for others, and led with kindness. His door was always open, and his ability to make us laugh was never-ending.”
Verduzco is survived by his wife Leticia, children Eduardo and Maria, and four grandchildren whom family members describe as the center of his world.
The loss comes amid an already difficult chapter for the family. Organizers note that just three years ago, Verduzco’s daughter lost her husband in a fatal motorcycle crash, making this latest tragedy especially devastating for those left behind.
A GoFundMe campaign titled “Honoring Jesse Verduzco” has been launched to help cover memorial expenses and provide support to the family as they navigate the difficult weeks and months ahead. As of publication, dozens of community members had already contributed, reflecting the profound impact Verduzco had on the lives of so many throughout San Diego.
For many locals, JV’s wasn’t simply a taco shop. It was a gathering place, a late-night tradition, a neighborhood institution, and for countless customers, a place where Jesse himself could often be found welcoming guests with the warmth and familiarity that helped build one of San Diego’s most enduring local restaurants.
As news of his passing spreads across the community, tributes continue to pour in from customers, friends, and family members remembering a man whose legacy extends far beyond the food he served.
Those wishing to support the Verduzco family can find the fundraiser by searching GoFundMe for “Honoring Jesse Verduzco” or visiting the link here.
JV’s Mexican is located at 1112 Morena Boulevard in San Diego’s Linda Vista community. For more information, follow @jvsmexfood on Instagram.
Originally published on June 5, 2026.
