Fresno County, CA – On the evening of Saturday, June 14, 2025, a single-vehicle rollover crash resulted in the death of 46-year-old Cristian Jaime and left four others injured, according to KSEE, with additional reporting from CHP Fatal.
The California Highway Patrol reports that the accident took place around 7:15 PM near Trimmer Springs Road and Lakeview Avenue, north of Pine Flat Lake.
CHP investigators say a white GMC pickup truck driven by Luis Estanga, 40, of Fresno was heading south on Trimmer Springs Road at a high rate of speed with four passengers inside when the driver failed to safely navigate a sweeping right-hand curve. The vehicle veered off the roadway, plunged approximately 200 feet down a steep embankment, and rolled several times before coming to rest against a tree.
Multiple emergency agencies responded to the scene and carried out a complex rescue operation. Fire crews used ropes, winches, and cutting equipment to access the victims and extract them from the wreckage. Jaime was pronounced dead at the scene from injuries sustained in the crash.
Three other passengers suffered injuries and were transported to nearby hospitals. Estanga sustained serious injuries and was airlifted to a medical facility for treatment. Authorities have stated that once medically cleared, he will be booked into the Fresno County Jail.
The California Highway Patrol suspects that both alcohol use and excessive speed contributed to the crash. Estanga is facing charges including felony driving under the influence and vehicular manslaughter with gross negligence.
The investigation remains active, and officials are urging anyone with information to contact the Fresno-area CHP office.
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.”
Passenger Liability
Driver liability insurance covers both those outside the vehicle and passengers inside. While it can be emotionally difficult to file a Personal Injury claim against someone close to the victim, the financial challenges after an accident can be overwhelming.
A skilled personal injury attorney can help families pursue proper compensation for their loss by handling these legal complexities and negotiating with insurance companies, who always try to reduce payouts on claims they cannot deny.
