Los Banos, CA (September 18, 2025) — Two people died late Sunday night in a head-on crash on Highway 59. The incident occurred just after 11 p.m. on September 15, south of Washington Road in Merced County, according to the California Highway Patrol.
Authorities say Susana Esquivel, a 28-year-old woman from Atwater, was driving a 2019 Toyota Camry southbound on Highway 59 when her vehicle crossed the center line into oncoming traffic. Her car collided head-on with a 2016 Toyota Camry driven by Tyler Jackson, a 29-year-old man from San Jose, who had been traveling north.
Both drivers were pronounced dead at the scene. No other vehicles or passengers were involved.
The cause of the crash remains under investigation. CHP has not released further details regarding potential contributing factors such as speed, impairment, or road conditions.
The collision happened in a stretch of roadway located east of Los Banos, an area frequently used by local commuters. While not within city limits, the fatal crash serves as a tragic reminder of the dangers on regional highways connecting Los Banos to surrounding communities.
Anyone with information about the crash is urged to contact the California Highway Patrol’s Merced Area Office at (209) 356-2900.
