Sunset, CA – On the morning of Friday, June 27, 2025, a crash involving a compact car and a big rig resulted in the death of a 24-year-old man in Sutter County, according to KCRA, with additional reporting from CHP Fatal.
The California Highway Patrol (CHP) reports that the fatal collision occurred around 4:27 AM on northbound Highway 99, just south of Paseo Road, in the rural Sunset area south of Live Oak.
Upon arrival, officers found a severely damaged compact sedan blocking a traffic lane and a big rig that had veered off the roadway and become lodged in a fence. The 24-year-old driver of the sedan was pronounced dead at the scene by emergency responders. No other occupants were in the vehicle. The driver of the big rig was uninjured.
Investigators believe the sedan may have pulled into the path of the big rig, but the exact cause of the crash remains under investigation. No eyewitnesses were present when the collision occurred, and it was first reported by a passerby who noticed the wreckage.
Authorities say drugs and alcohol are not suspected to be contributing factors. Caltrans crews were called to assist with debris removal and lane closures, which disrupted traffic for several hours. All lanes were fully reopened by approximately 7:45 AM.
The California Highway Patrol is asking anyone with information regarding the crash to contact their Yuba-Sutter area office. The identity of the deceased has not yet been released, pending notification of next of kin.
Wrongful Death Claims & Comparative Negligence
Determining fault in a collision can involve multiple factors, and under California’s Comparative Negligence rule, several parties can share partial responsibility. Should someone else be found even partly responsible for the death, the family may be able to file a Wrongful Death claim against the at-fault driver’s insurance. This can provide compensation to help cover medical bills, funeral expenses, and the loss of income to support the family of the deceased.
