Nevada County, CA – Authorities have identified Jace Ibanez, 10, of Nevada City, as the boy who lost his life in a Tesla crash that left others injured as well on the evening of Thursday, December 19, 2026, according to ABC10, with additional reporting from CHP Fatal.
The California Highway Patrol stated that the crash occurred around 4:46 PM during heavy rain conditions on Highway 49 between Reader Ranch Road and the South Yuba Bridge.
Investigators reported that a Tesla traveling northbound appeared to possibly have been moving at an unsafe speed for the weather conditions. For unknown reasons, the vehicle lost control, left the roadway, and traveled approximately 15 feet down an embankment.
Ibanez was one of three children riding as passengers in the vehicle. A 5-year-old boy and a 13-year-old girl were also inside, along with a 29-year-old man who was identified as the driver.
CHP said the driver and the 5-year-old boy sustained injuries and were transported to a hospital. The 13-year-old girl reportedly suffered minor injuries.
Emergency crews, including fire personnel and CHP officers, responded to the scene and secured the roadway while the vehicle was recovered. Traffic was impacted during the response and cleanup.
The CHP investigation into the crash remains ongoing, and no final determination has been released regarding contributing factors beyond speed and storm-related conditions.
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.
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.
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.
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.
