Santa Rosa, CA – On the afternoon of Thursday, October 16, 2025, a single-vehicle crash on Highway 101 left one man dead after his SUV overturned and landed in a roadside ditch, according to NBC Bay Area, with additional reporting from CHP Fatal.

The California Highway Patrol reports that the crash took place around 2:34 PM on northbound Highway 101, just south of Yolanda Avenue in Santa Rosa.

Authorities said a red 2005 Ford Expedition had been traveling in the middle lane when the driver appeared to have lost control for unknown reasons. The vehicle veered left, struck the center median, then crossed all northbound lanes before hitting a guardrail and overturning into a ditch along the right shoulder of the highway.

When officers arrived, they found the SUV resting upside down, with its roof partially submerged in water. Emergency responders extricated the driver, who was the sole occupant, and transported him to Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital. Despite medical efforts, the man was later pronounced deceased.

CHP and fire crews remained at the scene to manage traffic and remove debris. One lane of northbound Highway 101 was temporarily blocked as investigators documented evidence and coordinated with Caltrans to assess guardrail and light pole damage.

The crash remains under investigation, and authorities have asked anyone with information about the incident to contact the Santa Rosa CHP Office.

Single-Vehicle Collisions

In some cases, investigations may reveal that even in a single-vehicle accident, nearby drivers or unsafe road features share some responsibility. California’s Comparative Negligence rule means that, even if those injured in accidents are found partially at fault, they may still be eligible to receive partial compensation for damages.

California Car Accident Lawyer

If you or someone you love was harmed in an accident like the one described here, contact a California Car Accident Lawyer for any questions or to receive a no-cost, no-obligation case assessment.