Parkfield, CA – On the afternoon of Thursday, February 5, 2026, Daniel Wayne Barrett, 63, of Parkfield, was killed after his pickup truck left a private roadway and struck a tree near the San Luis Obispo–Monterey County line, according to The SanLuis Obispo Tribune, with additional reporting from CHP Fatal.

The California Highway Patrol reported the crash occurred around 3:50 PM near Vineyard Canyon Road, just east of Indian Valley Road, near San Miguel. 

Investigators said Barrett was driving a gray Dodge Dakota westbound at an undetermined speed when the vehicle veered off the roadway and entered a pistachio orchard, where it collided with a large tree.

Medical personnel pronounced Barrett dead at the scene. No other injuries were reported, and no other vehicles were involved.

The Monterey County Sheriff-Coroner’s Office is investigating the cause of death. CHP officials said the investigating officer believes Barrett was not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash. The collision remains under investigation.

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 through a Wrongful Death Claim.

San Luis Obispo Wrongful Death Lawyer

If you or someone you love was harmed in an accident like the one described here, contact a San Luis Obispo Wrongful Death Lawyer for any questions or to receive a no-cost, no-obligation case assessment.