Driver killed in Merced County collision, CHP says

A driver is dead following an early morning collision in Merced County, according to authorities.

At about 5:40 a.m.Tuesday, California Highway Patrol officers responded to a report of a two-vehicle collision in the area of Highway 152 and Turner Island Road, according to a CHP news release.

Authorities said based on a preliminary investigation of the crash, it appears a 26-year-old man was driving a 2003 Honda Accord southbound on Turner Island Road and approaching a stop sign at the intersection with Highway 152.

At the same time, 38-year-old Lisa Rueckheim of Merced, was driving a 2020 Buick Encore west along Highway 152. The CHP said for unknown reasons, it appears the driver of the Honda failed to stop at the posted stop sign. Authorities said the driver of the Buick was not able to avoid a collision and the Buick collided with the driver’s side of the Honda. Both of the vehicles continued west and ended up blocking both lanes of Highway 152, according to the release.

The CHP said the driver of the Honda suffered major injuries in the collision and was pronounced dead at the scene. Both Rueckheim and a 12-year-old female passenger suffered minor injuries and were transported to a Modesto hospital.

Authorities said neither drugs nor alcohol appear to be a factor in the collision.

This story was originally published August 29, 2023 at 10:28 AM.