Couple killed today in car accidenton way to work at Caltech

The two, who were husband and wife, were traveling southbound on Lake Avenue a few blocks north of campus when an eastbound vehicle on Walnut Avenue collided with them at the intersection, said Gregg Henderson, head of security at Caltech. The Villegas's car burst into flames, Henderson said. Both were pronounced dead at the scene.

Maria Villegas had worked at Caltech for about 10 years, her husband for nearly three years, said Maria Delgado, their supervisor in Caltech's Physical Plant Department. Both were valued employees, she said.

"They were two of my best workers," said Delgado. "Both of them were always able and willing to do any work at any time. They were very dependable and very friendly."

Jose Villegas worked all over campus as a floater, while Maria Villegas was responsible for maintenance at the Caltech provost's residence and also worked at the Beckman Institute.

"She was a warm and outgoing person who always had something nice to say," Provost Steve Koonin said. "My family was close to her, as were many people on campus. She typified the best of Caltech's employees."

David Baltimore, president of Caltech, said, "Our deepest sympathy goes out to Maria and Jose Villegas's children and relatives. It's especially distressing when people going about their business and trying to earn a living are killed in such a senseless accident."

The Villegases had three grown children, Delgado said.

Contact: Robert Tindol (626) 395-3631