Modesto, CA — A rear-end collision on the evening of Sunday, October 4, 2026, resulted in a fatality and led to the arrest of 22-year-old John Rojasnaranjo on suspicion of driving under the influence, according to ABC10.
The California Highway Patrol reports that the accident took place soon after 6:00 PM on Highway 99 near Carpenter Road.
Initial investigations appear to indicate that Rojasnaranjo may have made an unsafe lane change while driving northbound on Highway 99 and struck the rear of a GMC. The impact caused the driver of the GMC to lose control of his vehicle, leading to a rollover crash. The GMC came to rest on the shoulder of Sisk Road, with the driver partially ejected from his vehicle.
Emergency responders pronounced the GMC driver deceased at the scene. Neither Rojasnaranjo nor his passenger sustained any injuries.
Investigating officers suspected Rojasnaranjo to have been driving under the influence. He was arrested, booked into the Stanislaus County Public Safety Center, and charged with vehicular manslaughter, DUI, and driving under a suspended license.
The identity of the driver of the GMC who lost his life has not yet been released as of the time of this reporting.
Modesto DUI Accidents and Wrongful Death Claims
Suspects like Rojasnaranjo are assumed to be innocent of their charges until proven guilty in a court of law. If convicted, Rojasnaranjo may be considered to have committed “negligence per se,” which means that when drivers violate traffic safety laws, they are, by default, considered negligent in an accident. However, Rojasnaranjo does not have to be found guilty to be liable for the death of the GMC driver.
The GMC driver’s family may have grounds to pursue a wrongful death claim with Rojasnaranjo’s insurance provider. No amount of money can bring back a loved one who loses their life, but the costs involved should be borne by those responsible, not the victim’s family. A wrongful death claim can recover damages related to a fatal accident, such as funeral expenses and the loss of emotional and financial support for dependents of the deceased.
Modesto Wrongful Death Lawyer
If you or someone you love has been affected by an accident similar to the one for which Rojasnaranjo was arrested, on Highway 99 near Carpenter Road in Modesto, consider reaching out to a California wrongful death lawyer with any questions and to receive a no-cost, no-obligation case evaluation.
