Merced County, CA – On the morning of Thursday, August 13, 2026, a suspected DUI head-on collision resulted in the death of an 83-year-old Delhi woman and led to the arrest of Jose Perez Hernandez, 33, of Turlock, according to KSEE/KGPE.
The California Highway Patrol reports that the accident took place around 10:00 AM near Sycamore Street, just north of Bloss Avenue.
Authorities said Hernandez was driving an Audi SUV southbound on Sycamore Street at a high rate of speed when the vehicle crossed into oncoming traffic for reasons still under investigation. The Audi collided head-on with a Chevrolet SUV occupied by an 84-year-old male driver and his 83-year-old female passenger, both of Delhi.
As a result of the impact, the woman sustained fatal injuries and was transported to Doctors Medical Center in Modesto, where she later died. The 84-year-old driver was transported to Emmanuel Medical Center in Turlock with moderate injuries.
Following the crash, witnesses reported that Hernandez exited the Audi and fled on foot. Officers quickly apprehended him in a nearby orchard near Augusta Avenue and Sycamore Street. Investigators believed he may have been under the influence at the time of the crash.
Hernandez was taken to Mercy Medical Center in Merced for treatment before being booked into Merced County Jail on suspicion of driving under the influence and felony hit-and-run.
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.”
Merced County DUI Accidents and Wrongful Death Claims
California law prohibits driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs and requires all motorists to maintain proper lane discipline to avoid crossing into oncoming traffic. When an impaired driver crosses into opposing lanes at a high rate of speed and causes a fatal head-on 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.
Merced County Wrongful Death Lawyer
If you or someone you love was harmed in an accident like the one described here, near Sycamore Street and Bloss Avenue, contact a California wrongful death lawyer for any questions or to receive a no-cost, no-obligation case assessment.
