CHP: Driver ran red light just before fatal crash in Merced County

Investigators say the crash that claimed the life of an Atwater woman Tuesday happened after the other driver involved ran through a red light.

The victim, whose name has not been released, has been described by California Highway Patrol officers as a 33-year-old Atwater woman.

CHP officers on Wednesday said the other driver, 74-year-old Walter Klawitter, was driving a 2006 Ford F-250 and “failed to stop for the red light” about 1:40 p.m. at Santa Fe Avenue and Beachwood Drive near Merced.

It was initially reported that Klawitter was driving a 2005 Honda Odyssey. However, according to Officer Moises Onsurez, the Honda was driven by the 33-year-old victim.

Klawitter was heading east on Santa Fe and the woman was driving north on Beachwood when they collided at the intersection. The victim died a short time later, officers said.

Klawitter suffered minor injuries. His wife, Darling Klawitter, 70, was a passenger in the vehicle. She was not injured, the CHP said.

This story was originally published August 26, 2015 at 3:41 PM with the headline "CHP: Driver ran red light just before fatal crash in Merced County."