Merced County, CA – On the evening of Sunday, September 14, 2025, a head-on collision killed Tyler Alexander Jackson, 29, of San Jose, and Susana Esquivel, 28, of Atwater, according to NBC Bay Area, with additional reporting from CHP Fatal.
The California Highway Patrol reports that the crash took place around 11:15 PM on State Route 59, just south of Washington Road.
Esquivel drove a 2019 Toyota Camry southbound on State Route 59. As she approached Washington Road, she crossed the broken painted center line for reasons that investigators have not yet determined. Her car entered the northbound lane and struck Jackson’s 2016 Toyota Camry head-on.
The force of the collision caused catastrophic damage to both vehicles. Jackson and Esquivel suffered fatal injuries on impact. Emergency responders arrived quickly but confirmed that both drivers died at the scene. No one else rode in either vehicle, and authorities did not report injuries to bystanders or other motorists.
Emergency dispatch records show that an iPhone crash notification alerted authorities at 11:13 PM. Crews from Cal Fire, the California Highway Patrol, and local fire departments responded. Firefighters and medical teams blocked both directions of State Route 59 while they assessed the wreckage and treated the scene as a fatal crash.
Authorities requested Caltrans to close the highway and bring in heavy equipment. They set out flares to alert traffic and directed vehicles away from the intersection. Tow operators removed both Camrys from the roadway shortly after 2:00 AM. Caltrans reopened the highway at about 1:40 AM once crews cleared debris and restored safe passage.
Investigators have not determined why Esquivel crossed into the opposite lane. The California Highway Patrol said alcohol and drugs do not appear to have caused the crash. The investigation continues.
Wrongful Death Claims
Losing a loved one in a traffic accident is devastating, and the pain can be made worse by the financial strain that often follows. Medical bills, funeral costs, and the loss of income to support dependents of the deceased can leave families struggling. Filing a Wrongful Death claim against those responsible can provide compensation to help with these expenses.
Comparative Negligence
California Law upholds the concept of Comparative Negligence, which allows more than one party to share blame in a personal injury accident. Injured victims may have their compensation reduced if they are found partially responsible.
Merced Wrongful Death Lawyer
If you or someone you love was harmed in an accident like the one described here, contact a Merced Wrongful Death Lawyer for any questions or to receive a no-cost, no-obligation case assessment.
