Two drivers killed in separate Merced County accidents over the weekend, CHP says

Andrew Kuhn
·1 min read

The California Highway Patrol is investigating two separate fatal accidents that occurred in Merced County over the weekend.

At about 11:59 p.m. Saturday, officers responded to a rollover crash in the area of Highway 99 and Plainsburg Road, according to CHP Officer Eric Zuniga. Authorities said a 65-year-old man from San Ysidro was driving a 2004 Chevrolet Silverado north on Highway 99.

According to the CHP, the vehicle traveled off the right shoulder of the road and ran into a sign and a fence before overturning several times and coming to rest on nearby Silveira Way. Zuniga said witnesses reported seeing the vehicle swerving prior to the accident.

Authorities said the driver, who was wearing a seat belt at the time of the accident, was pronounced dead at the scene. The CHP said it is unknown if drugs or alcohol were a factor in the crash.

At about 3:08 p.m. Sunday, CHP officers responded to a solo-vehicle crash in the area of Highway 59 and Turlock Road. According to authorities, a 28-year-old Atwater man was driving a 1993 Honda coupe south on Highway 59, south of Turlock Road, at a high rate of speed.

Zuniga said it appears the driver attempted to pass another vehicle and lost control of the Honda. The vehicle spun out and crashed into a tree off the east shoulder of Highway 59. The driver was wearing a seat belt at the time of the accident and ultimately died of his injuries at the scene. Authorities said is unknown if drugs or alcohol were a factor.

According to the CHP, both accidents remain under investigation, and anyone with information is asked to contact the Merced area CHP office at 209-356-6600.