Madera County, CA – On the morning of Thursday, October 16, 2025, a head-on collision near Hensley Lake claimed the life of a 61-year-old woman and left two others injured, according to KSEE, with additional reporting from CHP Fatal.
The California Highway Patrol reports that the accident took place around 9:38 AM near Road 400 and River Road.
Investigators said the woman from Madera was driving a gray 2023 Ford Explorer northbound on Road 400 with a 40-year-old man in the passenger seat. At the same time, a 75-year-old man was heading south in a white 1994 Ford F-350 pickup, approaching the same intersection.
For reasons that remain under investigation, the woman’s vehicle appeared to have drifted into the southbound lane, directly into the path of the oncoming truck. The two Fords collided head-on, causing significant damage to both vehicles and trapping the drivers inside.
Emergency personnel arrived shortly after the crash and used the jaws of life to free both drivers. Despite immediate medical attention, the woman died from her injuries at the scene.
Her passenger and the 75-year-old driver were both transported to Community Regional Medical Center with injuries described as minor to moderate. Both were reported to be conscious and cooperative with investigators.
Responding units blocked portions of Road 400 and River Road to allow firefighters and paramedics to work safely. Tow trucks were later called to remove the damaged vehicles from the roadway.
Authorities said the cause of the collision has not been determined, and the investigation by the California Highway Patrol remains ongoing.
Ongoing Investigations
Victims of traffic accidents and their families should be aware that authorities may fail to note or even misinterpret critical evidence at a crash site. One of the services that a Personal Injury Attorney can provide is to pursue follow-up investigations, which can reveal additional evidence to correct any errors made by previous investigators.
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.
Madera Car Accident Lawyer
If you or someone you love was harmed in an accident like the one described here, contact a Madera Car Accident Lawyer for any questions or to receive a no-cost, no-obligation case assessment.
