MADERA, CA (June 30, 2026) — An 18-year-old woman was killed and several other people were injured Tuesday night in a two-vehicle collision at the intersection of Avenue 17 and Road 28 1/2 in Madera County, according to authorities.
The California Highway Patrol said the crash occurred at approximately 9:46 p.m. Investigators determined that a 2018 Chevrolet Malibu traveling east on Avenue 17 entered the intersection after failing to stop at a stop sign.
Authorities identified the driver of the Malibu as 18-year-old Madera resident Esmeralda Marcela Gutierrez. The Malibu entered the path of a southbound 2019 Jeep Wrangler driven by a 25-year-old Madera woman, causing the Chevrolet to strike the Jeep on its right side.
Gutierrez was pronounced dead at the scene.
A 19-year-old male passenger in the Malibu sustained major injuries and was transported to a hospital. Another occupant of the Chevrolet suffered minor injuries. The Jeep driver and one passenger were also injured.
The California Highway Patrol continues to investigate the collision.
