Rosamond, CA – On the afternoon of Wednesday, December 10, 2025, an 80-year-old man, Richard Madril Diaz, and a 65-year-old woman, Maria De Jesus Zuniga Rivas, lost their lives in a two-vehicle collision, according to KGET.
The California Highway Patrol reports that the accident took place around 3:27 PM at the intersection of West Avenue A and 70th Street West.
The Kern County Coroner’s Office identified Diaz, a Rosamond resident, as the driver of a Honda traveling southbound on 70th Street West, with Rivas riding as his passenger. Authorities said the Honda collided with a Jeep that was traveling eastbound on Avenue A as both vehicles approached the intersection.
Both Diaz and Rivas were pronounced dead at the scene as a result of the injuries sustained in the crash. The driver of the Jeep was transported to Antelope Valley Hospital for treatment of injuries that were reported to be non-life-threatening.
CHP stated that driving impairment does not appear to have been a factor in the collision. Investigators continue to review the circumstances surrounding the crash as part of the ongoing investigation.
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.
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.
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.
