The scene of a fatal crash is pictured in Madera County on June 30.
A fatal crash in Madera County claimed the lives of the driver and, later, a passenger — both in their teens, according to the sheriff’s office.
Just after 9:45 p.m. on Tuesday, June 30, CHP Madera Area officers responded to a traffic collision at the intersection of Avenue 17 and Road 28 ½.
The Madera County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) said their investigation indicated Esmeralda Marcela Guitierrez, 18, was driving a white 2018 Chevrolet Malibu eastbound on Avenue 17, approaching the intersection at Road 28 ½.
Another Madera woman, 25, was driving a black 2019 Jeep Wrangler southbound on Road 28 ½, approaching the intersection at Avenue 17. At this location, traffic on Avenue 17 is controlled by posted stop signs while traffic on Road 28 ½ has the right-of-way.
MCSO said Guitierrez failed to stop at the stop sign and entered the intersection directly into the path of the Jeep. The front of the Chevrolet collided with the right side of the Jeep.
Following the impact both vehicles traveled in a southeasterly direction and onto the front lawn of a private residence. Officials said the vehicles collided with a chain link fence, a parked white Chevrolet Colorado and the support post of the home’s front porch.
The Jeep overturned and both vehicles came to rest within the property. Despite the immediate response of emergency personnel, Guitierrez was pronounced deceased at the scene.
The driver of the Jeep and her 10-year-old male passenger sustained minor to moderate injuries. A female passenger in the Chevrolet, 21, was also transported to a local hospital with minor injuries.
CHP did not identify the injured parties. The crash is still under investigation. Alcohol and/or drugs are not suspected to be a factor.
A male passenger in the Chevrolet, age 19, was not wearing a seatbelt and was transported to Community Regional Medical Center with major injuries.
He was later publicly identified by loved ones as Bobby Criado. A statement published on a GoFundMe account established for Criado’s family by Audrey Aanonson said the young man sustained a catastrophic brain injury in the accident.
“After exhaustive evaluation and treatment, Bobby’s medical team determined that his injuries (were) not survivable.”
Criado was an organ donor. On Sunday, July 5, an Honor Walk was held for him at Community Regional Medical Center in Fresno.
Responses (0)