Exeter, CA – On the afternoon of Sunday, October 5, 2025, Seth Varela, 25, Alvin Ince, 62, and Oakley Jones, 33, sustained fatal injuries in a multi-vehicle collision involving two motorcycles and an SUV, according to KSEE.
The California Highway Patrol reports that the crash happened around 1:30 PM on Highway 198, east of Mehrten Drive. Emergency crews arrived to find two motorcycles and a Jeep Cherokee blocking traffic in both directions.
Investigators said Varela drove a 1999 Jeep Cherokee westbound on Highway 198. For reasons still under review, he appeared to move toward the right shoulder and may have attempted a sudden U-turn into the path of westbound vehicles.
At the same moment, Ince had been riding a 2000 Harley-Davidson, and Jones had been riding a 2007 Harley-Davidson along the same stretch of road. Both motorcyclists collided with the left side of the Jeep, the impact throwing them from their bikes.
CHP officers said that all three suffered severe injuries during the crash. They were pronounced dead at the scene.
The collision left Highway 198 closed for an extended period while officers investigated and cleared debris.
The California Highway Patrol continues to examine what led to the crash and whether additional factors contributed to the fatal injuries.
Ongoing Investigations
Victims of traffic accidents and their families should be aware that authorities may fail to note or even misinterpret critical evidence at a crash site. One of the services that a Personal Injury Attorney can provide is to pursue follow-up investigations, which can reveal additional evidence to correct any errors made by previous investigators.
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.
