A 69-year-old woman from Sacramento was killed Wednesday evening, April 1, 2026, following a solo vehicle crash on State Route 99 near Le Grand Road, according to the California Highway Patrol.

At approximately 5:09 p.m., CHP’s Merced Communications Center received reports of a crash involving a Cadillac SUV traveling northbound on SR-99, just south of the Le Grand Road overcrossing.

Preliminary findings indicate the driver, who was the sole occupant of the vehicle, was traveling in the number three lane at an unknown speed when, for reasons still under investigation, the SUV drifted to the right. The vehicle left the roadway, traveled onto the shoulder, and continued up a dirt embankment before crashing into the concrete base of the Le Grand Road overcrossing.

The impact caused major front-end damage to the Cadillac. Due to the vehicle’s unstable position and risk of overturning, emergency crews were initially unable to safely extricate the unresponsive driver. After a tow truck stabilized the SUV, first responders removed the driver and began life-saving efforts, including CPR. Despite those efforts, the woman was pronounced dead at the scene.

Authorities say drugs or alcohol do not appear to be factors in the crash. The incident remains under investigation.

Anyone who witnessed the crash or has information is urged to contact CHP Merced Officer Mason at (209) 356-6600.