Campbell, CA – In the early hours of Tuesday, August 4, 2026, a suspected DUI collision resulted in the death of a 47-year-old Campbell man and led to the arrest of a 21-year-old Los Gatos man, according to KRON, with additional reporting from CHP Fatal.
The California Highway Patrol reports that the accident took place around 2:48 AM on southbound Highway 17 just north of the Hamilton Avenue off-ramp.
Authorities said the Los Gatos man was driving a 2018 Dodge Challenger when he rear-ended a 2000 Toyota Tacoma driven by the Campbell man. The impact caused the Tacoma to lose control and become fully engulfed in flames, with the occupant possibly trapped inside.
Debris was scattered across the slow lane following the crash. Santa Clara County Fire Department and Campbell Fire Department responded, and the Campbell man was pronounced dead at the scene.
A SigAlert was issued closing all southbound lanes of Highway 17 north of Hamilton Avenue with an unknown estimated time of opening. Two evidence tows were requested for the Toyota Tacoma and the Dodge Challenger. The coroner was notified and responded. Lanes one through three were reopened at approximately 6:03 AM, with all lanes fully open and the SigAlert cancelled at approximately 6:29 AM.
Authorities believe the Los Gatos man to have been under the influence of alcohol at the time of the crash. He was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence and causing death or serious bodily injury. Anyone who witnessed the collision or has information is asked to contact the CHP San Jose Area office. The investigation remains ongoing.
California DUI Law
Section 23153(a) of the California Vehicle Code (CVC) states that it is illegal for any driver to “Operate a vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs and, as a result, cause bodily injury to someone else.”
Campbell DUI Accidents and Wrongful Death Claims
California law prohibits driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs and requires all drivers to maintain a safe following distance to avoid rear-ending the vehicle ahead of them. When an impaired driver causes a fatal rear-end collision, that driver may be considered to have committed negligence per se, increasing his share of liability for the resulting death.
Regardless of the outcome of the criminal case, the victim’s family may have the right to pursue a wrongful death claim. A wrongful death claim can provide the family with compensation for funeral expenses, loss of financial support, loss of consortium, and other damages related to the fatal accident.
Campbell Wrongful Death Lawyer
If you or someone you love was harmed in an accident like the one described here, on Highway 17 north of the Hamilton Avenue off-ramp, contact a California wrongful death lawyer for any questions or to receive a no-cost, no-obligation case assessment.
