[08-20-2024] Merced County, CA – 21-Year-Old Driver Killed, Passenger Injured After Two-Vehicle Rear-End Crash on I-5

A 21-year-old driver was killed, and a passenger was seriously injured after a two-vehicle rear-end crash in Merced County late Tuesday night, August 20, 2024.

According to the California Highway Patrol, the incident occurred at approximately 10:58 p.m. on Interstate 5 southbound near Nees Avenue.

Preliminary findings indicate that the driver of a 2020 Dodge was traveling at a high rate of speed in the southbound #1 lane on I-5 when they failed to notice stopped traffic ahead. 

The Dodge swerved to the right in an attempt to avoid a collision but struck the right rear of a 2023 Volvo trailer, driven by Kevin K. The impact caused major damage to the Dodge and moderate damage to the rear of the Volvo’s trailer. The Dodge ultimately came to rest on the west shoulder of I-5, facing east, while the Volvo pulled over to the right shoulder.

The driver of the Dodge sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene. The passenger in the Dodge, identified as Jaylene L., suffered major injuries to her left leg and was airlifted to Memorial North Hospital in Modesto. Kevin K. was not injured in the crash.

At this time, drugs or alcohol do not appear to be factors in the collision. There is no additional information immediately available.