Coarsegold, CA – The family of Kirk and Valerie McCarty have identified the 70-year-old couple as the two victims of a fatal multi-vehicle collision involving DUI on the afternoon of Tuesday, May 27, 2025, according to KSEE.
The California Highway Patrol reports that the accident took place around 4:08 PM near the intersection of Highway 41 and Van Teri Road, just south of Coarsegold in Madera County.
Authorities say the crash occurred when a white utility truck, allegedly driven by 42-year-old Felipe Ramirez, was traveling northbound on Highway 41 at speeds exceeding 100 MPH. As the vehicle entered a curve near Yosemite RV Resort, it lost control and began to spin across lanes.
A juvenile driving a black SUV in the southbound lane swerved left to avoid the oncoming truck. However, a Ford Bronco traveling behind the SUV was unable to evade the collision and was struck head-on by the utility truck.
The Ford Bronco, occupied by Kirk and Valerie McCarty, was forced approximately 40 feet down an embankment, while the utility truck went over the side and dropped about 15 feet. Emergency responders pronounced both McCartys dead at the scene. The driver of the utility truck sustained major injuries and was airlifted to a Fresno hospital. The juvenile driver of the SUV was not injured.
Due to the difficult terrain and severity of the crash, multiple tow services and recovery teams were called to assist. Caltrans established traffic controls and detours to manage the congestion. Commercial vehicles were instructed to avoid the area due to limited detour access.
Ramirez, the driver of the utility truck, remains under investigation for suspected DUI. Toxicology results and further mechanical inspections are pending as part of the ongoing investigation by the California Highway Patrol.
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.
