Substance Impairment Likely a Factor in Fatal New Year’s Eve Collision, Authorities Say
MADERA COUNTY, CA — “On Wednesday, December 31, 2025, just before 11:00 a.m, CHP Madera Officers responded to a two-vehicle traffic crash with multiple ejections, on Avenue 13 at Road 23. At this intersection, traffic on Road 23 has the right of way, and traffic on Avenue 13 is controlled by posted stop signs.
A preliminary investigation indicates a 31-year-old man from Madera, CA, was driving a white Honda CRV, westbound on Avenue 13, approaching the intersection at Road 23. At the same time, a 47-year-old man from Lodi, CA, was driving a white Freightliner, pulling a set of double trailers, traveling northbound on Road 23, approaching the intersection at Avenue 13.
The driver of the Honda failed to stop for the posted stop sign and entered the intersection. As a result, the front of the Honda broadsided the right side of the Freightliner’s set of trailers. The Honda continued out of control in a northwesterly direction and overturned on the shoulder. The driver, along with 2 adult male passengers and one adult female passenger were not wearing their seatbelts and were ejected from the Honda. One male passenger in the Honda was wearing his seatbelt and was not ejected.
Despite the immediate response of emergency personnel, two passengers (1 male, 1 female) in the Honda tragically succumbed to their injuries and were pronounced deceased at the scene. The driver of the Honda and 2 passengers sustained moderate to major injuries and were transported to local hospitals. The driver of the Freightliner was not injured.
Alcohol and/or drugs are believed to be a factor in this crash. This crash remains under investigation.”
