Rio Linda, CA – A devastating wrong-way collision rocked Rio Linda Saturday night, resulting in the death of a Plumas Lake man and prompting a temporary closure of a significant stretch of Rio Linda Boulevard. David Bryant Estis, 47, has been identified by the Sacramento County Coroner’s Office as the driver who was killed in the three-vehicle pile-up.
The tragic incident occurred around 9:23 PM on Saturday, May 31, along Rio Linda Boulevard at E Street, just south of Elkhorn Boulevard.
According to preliminary reports from the California Highway Patrol (CHP), Estis was behind the wheel of a blue and gray Scion xB, traveling southbound in the northbound lanes of Rio Linda Boulevard. At the same time, a black Chevrolet Tahoe SUV and a white Dodge Ram pickup truck were proceeding northbound in the correct lanes.
The sequence of events unfolded rapidly: the Scion xB, driven by Estis, collided head-on with the Chevrolet Tahoe. Immediately following this initial impact, the Dodge Ram then rear-ended the Chevrolet Tahoe, compounding the severity of the crash.
Metro Fire was dispatched to the scene. Due to the nature of the head-on collision and the extensive debris, a full closure of Rio Linda Boulevard in both directions was immediately ordered to ensure the safety of responders and facilitate the investigation. Tow trucks were dispatched to remove the mangled vehicles, which are being held as evidence as the investigation continues.
A fire chaplain was later called to the scene and tragically confirmed that the wrong-way driver was pronounced dead at the scene.
In addition to the fatality, at least one other individual involved in the crash sustained injuries. This person reported pain and was transported to a local hospital for further evaluation and treatment. The specific nature and extent of their injuries have not been disclosed.
CHP officers on scene indicated that alcohol may have played a significant role in the fatal collision. While preliminary results suggest the possibility of impairment, definitive confirmation regarding whether Estis was under the influence of drugs or alcohol will require a toxicology report from the ongoing autopsy, given that he died in the crash.
The multi-vehicle fatality collision caused considerable disruption to local traffic, with both directions of Rio Linda Boulevard north of E Street being shut down for several hours. All lanes were eventually reopened to traffic by approximately 11:30 PM Saturday night.
