Sacramento, CA – A two-car collision near Southside Park on the night of Thursday, August 21, 2025, has proven fatal, and one of the drivers, Richard Newman, 33, was charged with DUI, according to KCRA.
The Sacramento Police Department reports that the accident took place around 11:50 PM at the intersection of Ninth Street and T Street.
Authorities said emergency responders arrived quickly after receiving reports of a serious crash and found two drivers hurt inside their vehicles. Paramedics transported both victims to nearby hospitals for treatment. Doctors listed one driver in critical condition with life-threatening trauma, while medical staff treated the other driver for minor injuries.
Despite extensive medical intervention, officials confirmed last week that the victim who sustained critical injuries ultimately died from those wounds. The Sacramento County Coroner has not yet released the individual’s name pending family notification.
Investigators identified the driver with minor injuries as Richard Newman, 33. Officers determined Newman drove under the influence of alcohol or drugs and caused the crash.
Medical staff released him shortly after evaluation, and authorities booked him into the Sacramento County Main Jail on August 23 on charges connected to driving under the influence, causing great bodily injury. Police said Newman now faces additional charges of vehicular manslaughter following confirmation of the other driver’s death.
The Sacramento Police Department’s Major Collision Investigation Unit, along with crime scene specialists, processed the crash site late into the night of the collision. Investigators documented evidence, examined the vehicles, and worked to determine the full sequence of events.
Authorities emphasized that the case remains active. Officials urged anyone with further information about the crash near Southside Park to contact investigators.
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.
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.
