Coarsegold, CA – On the afternoon of Tuesday, May 27, 2025, a three-vehicle collision involving a suspected DUI resulted in the deaths of two people and major injuries to another, according to KSEE, with additional reporting from CHP Fatal.
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 a man in his 30s was driving a white utility truck northbound on Highway 41 at speeds reportedly exceeding 100 MPH. As the vehicle entered a curve near Yosemite RV Resort, the driver lost control, causing the truck to rotate across lanes.
At the same time, a juvenile driving a black SUV southbound swerved left to avoid the spinning truck. A Ford Bronco traveling behind the SUV was unable to avoid the collision and was struck head-on by the utility truck.
The force of the impact sent the Ford Bronco approximately 40 feet down an embankment, while the utility truck fell about 15 feet. Two occupants in the Bronco were pronounced dead at the scene. Their identities have not yet been released, pending family notification.
The driver of the utility truck sustained major injuries and was airlifted to a hospital in Fresno. Authorities confirmed he is under investigation for driving under the influence at the time of the crash. The juvenile driver of the SUV was not reported injured.
Due to the severity of the collision and the location of the vehicles down a ravine, emergency crews requested multiple tow services and evidence recovery. Traffic was heavily impacted, with California Department of Transportation personnel setting up controls and detours to manage congestion. Commercial vehicles were instructed to avoid the area due to detour limitations.
CHP continues to investigate the crash to determine contributing factors, including toxicology results and potential mechanical issues.
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.
