Coroner identifies drivers killed in Highway 33 head-on collision near Dos Palos

The Merced County Sheriff Coroner’s Office has identified the two drivers killed in a head-on collision along Highway 33 in Merced County as 75-year-old Rosie Lee Mayes and 18-year-old David Isaac Robbins, both of Dos Palos, according to Deputy Alexandra Britton.

California Highway Patrol officers responded to the two-vehicle collision at about 9:45 p.m. Thursday along Highway 33 south of Christian Avenue. According to authorities, Mayes was driving a 2015 Nissan south on Highway 33 at an unknown speed.

At the same time, Robbins was driving a 2020 Honda north on Highway 33 at an unknown speed south of Christian Avenue. According to the CHP, it appears the Honda may have been in the southbound lane, possibly passing another vehicle. Authorities also said there were indications that the Nissan’s headlights may not have been activated.

The vehicles collided head-on, killing both drivers. The CHP said neither drugs nor alcohol appears to be a factor in the collision. Anyone who witnessed the collision is asked to contact the Los Banos area CHP office at 209-826-3811.

This story was originally published July 25, 2023 at 10:05 AM.