Sonora, CA – On the evening of Wednesday, July 23, 2025, a two-vehicle collision resulted in the deaths of four individuals and left one person injured, according to The Modesto Bee, with additional reporting from CHP Fatal.

The California Highway Patrol reports that the accident took place around 5:54 PM at the intersection of State Route 49 and Shaws Flat Road, located just outside the city limits of Sonora in Tuolumne County.

CHP officials stated that a black 2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee had been traveling westbound on Shaws Flat Road and came to a stop at a posted stop sign at the intersection with State Route 49. For reasons that remain under investigation, the driver of the Jeep proceeded into the intersection directly into the path of a northbound Dodge Ram 2500 pickup truck.

The Dodge Ram, which was traveling at an estimated speed of approximately 60 MPH, struck the left side of the Jeep. The force of the impact pushed the Jeep in a northwesterly direction before it came to rest on the west shoulder of the highway.

All four occupants of the Jeep died as a result of the collision. Authorities identified the deceased as: 

• Jose Orta Cotto, 56
• Jose Orta Carmona, 83
• Elba Melendez Deorta, 72
• Michelle Cotto Rodriguez, 52

CHP confirmed that all four individuals were family members and residents of Puerto Rico. Emergency responders pronounced all four victims deceased at the scene.

The driver of the Dodge Ram, an 18-year-old resident of Jamestown, sustained moderate to major injuries and was transported for medical treatment. His name has not been released by authorities. The extent of his injuries has not been publicly detailed, but he was reportedly the sole occupant of the pickup truck.

CHP investigators stated that there is no indication that drugs or alcohol contributed to the crash. The collision remains under active investigation by the Sonora-area California Highway Patrol office.

Wrongful Death Claims & Comparative Negligence

Determining fault in a collision can involve multiple factors, and under California’s Comparative Negligence rule, several parties can share partial responsibility.  Should someone else be found even partly responsible for the death, the family may be able to file a Wrongful Death claim against the at-fault driver’s insurance. This can provide compensation to help cover medical bills, funeral expenses, and the loss of income to support the family of the deceased.

California Wrongful Death Lawyer

If you or someone you love was harmed in an accident like the one described here, contact a California Wrongful Death Lawyer for any questions or to receive a no-cost, no-obligation case assessment.