Soledad, CA – On the evening of Saturday, January 24, 2026, a single-vehicle crash resulted in the death of one passenger and minor injuries to the driver, according to KSBW, with additional reporting from CHP Fatal.
The California Highway Patrol reports that the accident took place around 11:55 PM on Metz Road/Highway 146, just south of Stonewall Canyon Road.
Authorities said the vehicle, traveling at an unknown speed, left the roadway and rolled over. The passenger, identified by the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office as 22-year-old Nathan Ruiz of Gonzales, was ejected from the vehicle and pronounced dead at the scene.
The driver, 24-year-old Octavio Hernandez of Gonzales, sustained minor injuries and was transported to Natividad Medical Center for evaluation and treatment. CHP confirmed that Hernandez was arrested on felony DUI charges and faces gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated.
Investigators secured the crash scene, collected physical evidence, and coordinated with towing services to remove the overturned vehicle. Authorities continue to examine the roadway conditions, vehicle dynamics, and other contributing factors as part of the ongoing investigation. Bail for Hernandez was set at $200,000 by the Monterey County Jail.
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
Even if a fatal accident doesn’t lead to criminal charges, families who lose a loved one can still file a Wrongful Death claim against the at-fault driver’s insurance. This can provide support to help cover medical bills, funeral expenses, and the loss of income.
Passenger Liability
Driver liability insurance covers both those outside the vehicle and passengers inside. While it can be emotionally difficult to file a Wrongful Death claim against someone close to the victim, the financial challenges after an accident can be overwhelming. As a neutral third party, an experienced personal injury attorney can help navigate these emotional complexities.
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.
