Madera, CA – Authorities have identified the three minors and one adult who lost their lives in a single-vehicle collision which also injured an 18-year-old, in the early hours of Sunday, February 15, 2026, according to KSEE.
The California Highway Patrol reports that the accident took place around 1:00 AM near Avenue 17 and Highway 99. Those who lost their lives have been identified as:
- Stephen Rodriguez, 13
- Benito Mendoza, 15
- David Daza Perez, 15
- Juan Perez Quezada, 25
Deputies with the Madera County Sheriff’s Office were initially dispatched following reports of individuals breaking into vehicles in the area near El Vado Drive and Avenue 18 ½.
They located a vehicle matching the callers’ description, at which point the driver fled at a high rate of speed. The vehicle allegedly continued for approximately three miles before losing control and crashing into a concrete barrier on the Avenue 17 on-ramp to northbound Highway 99.
Officials confirmed that four occupants were pronounced dead at the scene. The surviving 18-year-old passenger was airlifted to a local hospital and remains in critical condition.
The California Highway Patrol is leading the crash investigation, while the Madera County Sheriff’s Office continues to investigate the reported vehicle burglaries that preceded the collision.
The Fresno County Coroner’s Office handled the official identification 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.
Passenger Liability
Driver liability insurance covers both those outside the vehicle and passengers inside. While it can be emotionally difficult to file a Wrongful Death Claim against someone close to the victim, the financial challenges after an accident can be overwhelming. As a neutral third party, an experienced personal injury attorney can help navigate these emotional complexities.
Madera Car Accident Lawyer
If you or someone you love was harmed in an accident like the one described here, contact a Madera Car Accident Lawyer for any questions or to receive a no-cost, no-obligation case assessment.
