Coarsegold, CA – Authorities have arrested Felipe Angel Ramirez, 42, one of the drivers involved in a suspected DUI collision on the afternoon of Tuesday, May 27, 2025, involving three vehicles and two fatalities, according to KSEE.
The California Highway Patrol reports that the accident took place around 4:08 PM near the intersection of State Route 41 and Van Teri Road, south of Coarsegold in Madera County.
Preliminary findings indicate that Ramirez was driving a white utility truck northbound on Highway 41 at speeds reportedly exceeding 100 MPH. As he entered a curve near Yosemite RV Resort, he lost control of the truck, which rotated across multiple lanes.
A juvenile driving a black SUV southbound swerved left to avoid the oncoming utility truck. A Ford Bronco traveling behind the SUV was unable to avoid the crash and was struck head-on by the truck.
The collision sent the Bronco approximately 40 feet down an embankment, while the utility truck fell about 15 feet. Both occupants of the Bronco were pronounced dead at the scene. Their identities have not yet been released, pending notification of next of kin.
Ramirez sustained major injuries and was airlifted to Community Regional Medical Center in Fresno. The juvenile driver of the SUV was not reported injured. Authorities confirmed that he is under arrest on suspicion of DUI.
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.
