Driver identified in fatal Thanksgiving day collision on I-5 in Merced County

The Merced County Sheriff Coroner’s Office has identified a driver killed in an Interstate 5 collision on Thanksgiving as 55-year-old Oscar Medina of North Hollywood, according to Deputy Daryl Allen.

According to the California Highway Patrol, Los Banos-area officers responded to the collision on northbound Interstate 5, south of Allen Road at about 7 p.m..

According to authorities, Medina was driving a 1996 Toyota Camry when it is believed he moved to the median in an attempt to pass a 2013 Chevrolet Traverse in the No. 1 northbound lane.

When the Toyota moved back into the left lane the rear of the Toyota collided with the front of the Chevrolet. The Toyota then traveled across both lanes of traffic and off the right shoulder of the road before crashing into a barbed wire fence and overturning.

Medina was pinned inside the vehicle and pronounced dead at the scene, according to authorities. The 67-year-old female driver of the Chevrolet, her adult female passenger and minor male passenger did not report any injuries, according to the CHP.

This story was originally published November 29, 2021 at 12:47 PM.