Tulare County, CA – On the afternoon of Sunday, October 19, 2025, Sonia Herrera-Sanchez, 52, of Delano, lost her life in a head-on collision, according to KBAK, with additional reporting from CHP Fatal.
The California Highway Patrol reports that the accident took place around 1:46 PM near Avenue 8 and Road 208, west of Richgrove in Tulare County.
Authorities said Cesar Oswaldo Morales Martinez, 18, of Delano, was driving a Chevrolet Traverse westbound on Avenue 8 when, for reasons still under investigation, his vehicle crossed into the eastbound lane and collided head-on with Herrera-Sanchez’s Nissan Versa. She was pronounced dead at the scene.
Both drivers were wearing seatbelts at the time of the crash. Morales Martinez sustained minor injuries and did not require hospitalization, according to CHP.
Investigators stated that alcohol and drugs were not factors. However, Martinez was driving without a valid license, and manslaughter charges have been recommended to the Tulare County District Attorney’s Office.
A GoFundMe identified Herrera-Sanchez as a mother of two and grandmother of four, remembered by loved ones for her warmth and devotion. Emergency crews from Tulare County Fire and CHP Porterville Area responded, and the roadway was temporarily closed for the investigation before reopening later that day.
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
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.
Tulare Wrongful Death Lawyer
If you or someone you love was harmed in an accident like the one described here, contact a Tulare Wrongful Death Lawyer for any questions or to receive a no-cost, no-obligation case assessment.
