Monterey County, CA – On the evening of Friday, April 3, 2026, a suspected DUI single-vehicle collision resulted in the death of a 16-year-old boy and left three others injured, according to KSBW.
The California Highway Patrol reports that the accident took place around 8:00 PM on Meridian Road east of Revilla Drive.
Authorities said a 37-year-old Castroville man was driving a Volkswagen sedan westbound at a high rate of speed when the vehicle veered off the road and struck a tree. The car was carrying three juvenile passengers from Castroville, aged 16, 14, and 7.
The 16-year-old passenger was pronounced dead as a result of the crash. The driver sustained major injuries and was transported to a local hospital for treatment. The 14-year-old and 7-year-old passengers sustained moderate injuries and were transported to a San Jose hospital for treatment.
The driver was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol, manslaughter, and child endangerment. Authorities said alcohol and speed are believed to have been contributing factors in the crash. The identity of the deceased was to be released by the Monterey County Coroner’s Office following notification of next of kin. Anyone with information about the crash is asked to contact the California Highway Patrol. The investigation remains ongoing.
Passenger Liability
Driver liability insurance covers both those outside the vehicle and passengers inside. While it can be emotionally difficult to file a personal injury claim or 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.
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.
