Driver ejected and killed during rollover crash in Merced County, CHP says

Authorities are investigating a solo-vehicle rollover crash that killed a man in Merced County.

Merced area California Highway Patrol officers responded early Tuesday to a crash in the area of Santa Fe Drive and Linwood Road, according to CHP Officer Eric Zuniga.

The CHP said it appears a 65-year-old Ballico man was driving a 2005 Honda Accord east on Santa Fe Drive just west of Linwood Road, when the vehicle left the roadway and overturned into a nearby field. The crash caused the driver to be ejected. Authorities said it appears the man was not wearing a seat belt.

Zuniga said the crash was reported to authorities by passing motorists and at this time it is unknown when the crash occurred. According to the CHP, the crash remains under investigation and it is unknown if drugs or alcohol were a factor.

Anyone with information regarding the crash is asked to contact the CHP at 209-356-6600 and ask to speak with CHP Officer Patterson.

This story was originally published September 26, 2024 at 8:24 AM.