Fresno County, CA – On the afternoon of Thursday, July 23, 2026, a head-on collision resulting from a driver failing to stop at a stop sign left Yvonne Cheney, 88, of Auberry, and Nellie Moreno, 94, of San Joaquin, dead, and left three others hospitalized, according to KSEE/KGPE.
The California Highway Patrol reports that the accident took place around 12:45 PM on Auberry Road between Millerton Road and Frontier Road, approximately three miles from Millerton Lake.
Authorities said an 18-year-old Clovis woman was driving a Toyota with four occupants westbound on Millerton Road and attempted to turn left onto southbound Auberry Road without stopping at the posted stop sign. The Toyota turned into the path of a Nissan carrying four occupants, including Cheney, that was traveling northbound on Auberry Road with the right of way. Cheney, a passenger in the Nissan, died at the scene.
The other three occupants of the Nissan were transported to the hospital. Moreno, a passenger in the Toyota, and the 18-year-old driver were also transported to the hospital, where Moreno later died. The Fresno County Coroner’s Office formally identified both women following their deaths.
Fresno County Roads was contacted for a hard closure while investigators processed the scene. Evidence tows were requested for the vehicles involved. The roadway was reopened at approximately 4:17 PM.
Alcohol and drugs do not appear to have been factors in the crash. The investigation remains ongoing.
Stop Sign Laws
California law requires drivers to come to a complete stop at a Stop sign (California Vehicle Code 22450). Drivers may only enter the intersection when it appears safe for all parties to do so (California Vehicle Code 21802).
Fresno County Car Accidents and Wrongful Death Claims
California law requires drivers to come to a complete stop at posted stop signs and yield the right of way to cross traffic before proceeding through an intersection. When a driver fails to stop and causes a fatal collision, that driver may be considered to have committed negligence per se, increasing her share of liability for the resulting deaths and injuries.
The families of Cheney and Moreno may have the right to pursue a wrongful death claim, while those injured in the crash may have the right to pursue a personal injury claim. These claims can provide compensation for funeral expenses, loss of financial support, medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages related to the accident.
Fresno County Wrongful Death Lawyer
If you or someone you love was harmed in an accident like the one described here, on Auberry Road between Millerton Road and Frontier Road, contact a California wrongful death lawyer for any questions or to receive a no-cost, no-obligation case assessment.
