Merced County, CA – Authorities have identified 41-year-old Ceres man Adrian Reyes and his 13-year-old son, Noah, as having lost their lives in a head-on collision involving 20-year-old DUI suspect Melissa Rosales of Los Banos on the morning of Saturday, March 22, 2025, according to The Modesto Bee.
The California Highway Patrol (CHP) reports that the accident occurred around 12:19 AM on Highway 165, south of Turner Avenue.
Authorities say Rosales was driving a 2014 BMW SUV southbound at high speed when she allegedly failed to navigate a curve, crossed over the solid double-yellow lines, and crashed head-on into a northbound 2016 Honda Accord.
Reyes, who was driving the Honda, and his son were pronounced dead at the scene. Rosales sustained major injuries and was airlifted to a Modesto hospital. Officers arrested her on suspicion of felony DUI and vehicular manslaughter.
The deaths of Reyes and his son were acknowledged in a post on the Legacy Tributes Facebook page. A family friend launched a GoFundMe campaign to assist Reyes’ widow, Isabel, with funeral expenses.
The investigation is ongoing, and authorities urge anyone with information 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.
Merced Wrongful Death Lawyer
If you or someone you love was harmed in an accident like the one described here, contact a Merced Wrongful Death Lawyer for any questions or to receive a no-cost, no-obligation case assessment.
