Alcohol Likely a Factor in Fatal Crash, Oroville CHP Says
OROVILLE, CA — “On February 27, 2026, at approximately 2:48 PM, the California Highway Patrol Oroville Area office received calls regarding a vehicle crash via an iPhone emergency alert in the area of State Route 70 (SR-70) at State Route 149 (SR-149).
Upon arrival, CHP officers located a single black Jeep Cherokee that had traveled off the roadway and down an embankment following an apparent rollover crash. The vehicle was found at the southbound SR-70 transition to SR-149 and SR-70, near the Wicks Corner Interchange.
The male driver, who was the sole occupant of the vehicle, was ejected during the rollover. It was determined the driver was not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash. Witnesses, CHP officers, and emergency medical personnel rendered life-saving measures at the scene, including CPR. The driver was subsequently transported to a local hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries.
Based on the initial investigation, alcohol is suspected to have been a contributing factor in this collision.
The identity of the driver is being withheld at this time pending notification of next of kin. The driver’s identity will be released at a later date by the Butte County Sheriff’s Coroner’s Office.
Anyone who witnessed the crash or has information related to this incident is encouraged to contact CHP Dispatch at (530) 332-1200 and reference log number 260227CH0095.”
