RIO LINDA, CA – A devastating rollover crash on Highway 65 took the life of a young man from nearby North Highlands this past Wednesday afternoon, according to the California Highway Patrol (CHP). The fatal accident happened just up the road in Yuba County, near the McGowan Parkway exit.
The CHP reports that the incident occurred around 2:11 p.m. on Wednesday, April 2nd, in the southbound lanes. Investigators believe the 18-year-old was driving a Toyota Camry and attempting to pass a Honda Accord. During the pass, the driver of the Accord reportedly moved slightly left, making contact with the rear of the Camry.
This collision sent the Camry spinning out of control. The car careened off the highway, smashed into an embankment, and overturned multiple times before coming to a stop on the right shoulder, heavily damaged.
Before emergency crews could arrive, witnesses at the scene bravely rushed to help. They reportedly cut the young driver’s seatbelt and attempted CPR and other lifesaving measures. Tragically, despite their heroic efforts, the 18-year-old driver succumbed to his injuries at the scene.
Two other people riding in the Camry were taken to a local hospital with minor to moderate injuries. In the Honda Accord, one passenger suffered minor injuries, while the driver and another passenger were reportedly unharmed.
The crash caused major backups for anyone travelling south on Highway 65 that afternoon, as the CHP shut down all southbound lanes for several hours to investigate and clear the scene. Authorities have confirmed that neither drugs nor alcohol are suspected as factors in this collision.
Our thoughts and deepest condolences go out to the family and friends of the young man whose life was tragically cut short. We also wish a swift and complete recovery to those who were injured in the accident.
