King City, CA – On the evening of Friday, April 24, 2026, a head-on collision resulted in the death of Rigoberto Ortega Martinez, 35, according to KSBW.
The California Highway Patrol reports that the accident took place on Metz Road north of Spreckels Road.
Authorities said the driver of a Ford Fusion was traveling southbound when, for unknown reasons, the vehicle swerved into the opposing lane and collided head-on with a Dodge Ram. Both vehicles caught fire following the impact.
Martinez, who was driving the Ford Fusion, was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of the Dodge Ram was not injured. The Monterey County Sheriff’s Office formally identified Martinez following the crash.
No additional details regarding the circumstances of the collision had been released at the time of reporting. The investigation remains ongoing.
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.
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.
