Petaluma, CA – On the early afternoon of Sunday, April 6, 2025, a collision involving a Bobcat tractor resulted in fatal injuries to a 3-year-old child, according to KRON, with additional reporting from CHP Fatal.
The California Highway Patrol (CHP) reports that the accident took place around 12:35 PM at a private property near 3100 Skillman Lane.
Emergency crews, including fire and medical personnel, responded to the scene. According to the CHP, the tractor was being operated in a field on the property when the child entered the area and was struck. The child was pronounced dead at the scene.
The CHP stated that investigators observed signs of intoxication in the tractor operator. The operator was arrested on suspicion of felony driving under the influence and manslaughter. The agency confirmed that no other individuals were injured in the incident.
Authorities have not released the name of the child or the arrested individual. The investigation is ongoing. Officials are asking anyone with information about the incident to contact the Santa Rosa CHP office.
Tow services and additional units were dispatched throughout the afternoon, with notifications continuing into the late afternoon hours. A blood draw for the operator was scheduled later in the day, and coordination with the Sonoma County Sheriff’s Office and District Attorney’s Office was noted in incident logs.
This incident remains under active investigation.
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.”
Wrongful Death Claims
Losing a loved one in a traffic accident is devastating, and the pain can be made worse by the financial strain that often follows. Medical bills, funeral costs, and the loss of income to support dependents of the deceased can leave families struggling. Filing a Wrongful Death claim against those responsible can provide compensation to help with these expenses.
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.
