Ripon, CA – The San Joaquin County Medical Examiner’s Office has identified 62-year-old Stockton woman Rebecca Arndt as the woman fatally injured in a suspected drunk driving crash involving a pickup truck and a big rig on the night of Thursday, March 6, 2025, according to ABC10.
The California Highway Patrol (CHP) reports that the accident took place around 10:30 PM on Highway 99 near the Jack Tone Road off-ramp.
Authorities said Arndt was driving a Ford Escape northbound on Highway 99 when a GMC truck, allegedly driven by a 35-year-old Manteca man at a high speed under the influence of alcohol, struck the left rear of her SUV. The impact sent Arndt’s vehicle off course, causing it to come to rest on its wheels, blocking the No. 3 lane and the right shoulder.
Emergency responders arrived at the scene and transported Arndt to a nearby hospital, where she succumbed to her injuries.
Following the initial collision, the GMC truck also struck the left rear of a Freightliner big rig driven by a 39-year-old Lathrop man in the No. 3 lane. The force of the crash caused the big rig to stop, partially blocking the No. 2 and 3 lanes.
Both the pickup truck driver and the big rig driver sustained injuries, though their conditions were not immediately available. Officials have not yet released details on any criminal charges against the suspected drunk driver.
The California Highway Patrol continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash and urges any witnesses to come forward.
California DUI Law
Section 23153(a) of the California Vehicle Code (CVC) states that it is illegal for any driver to “Operate a vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs and, as a result, cause bodily injury to someone else.”
Wrongful Death Claims
Even if a fatal accident doesn’t lead to criminal charges, families who lose a loved one can still file a Wrongful Death claim against the at-fault driver’s insurance. This can provide support to help cover medical bills, funeral expenses, and the loss of income.
California Wrongful Death Lawyer
If you or someone you love was harmed in an accident like the one described here, contact a California Wrongful Death Lawyer for any questions or to receive a no-cost, no-obligation case assessment.
