Head-on crash claims two lives on SR-145 at Cottonwood Creek 

July 16, 2025 – Madera CHP officials report that on Saturday, July 12, 2025, at approximately 3:17 a.m., CHP Madera officers responded to a crash on SR-145, just south of Avenue 11.

A preliminary investigation indicates the following:

A 49-year-old woman from Fresno, CA was driving a red 2016 Jeep Cherokee, traveling southbound on SR-145, approaching Cottonwood Creek (south of Ave. 11). A 25-year-old man from North Fork, CA was driving a white 2017 Subaru Crosstrek, traveling northbound on SR-145, approaching Cottonwood Creek. For reasons still under investigation, the Jeep crossed into the northbound lane and collided head-on with the Subaru. Both vehicles sustained major damage and came to rest within the traffic lanes, blacked out.

Following the crash, a white 2021 Isuzu NPR (sweeper), driven by a 41-year-old man from Kerman, was traveling northbound on SR-145, approaching Cottonwood Creek. The driver did not see the vehicles in the traffic lanes and collided with the vehicles. Life saving measures were performed on the drivers of the Jeep and Subaru. Unfortunately, both drivers succumbed to their injuries and were pronounced deceased at the scene. The Isuzu sustained minor damage, and the driver was not injured.

This crash is still under investigation. At this time, it is unknown if alcohol and/or drugs were a factor in the initial crash. The driver of the Jeep was not wearing her seatbelt at the time of the crash.

CHP reminds the public to drive responsively. Taking your eyes off the road for even a few seconds can change everything. Never drive impaired and always wear your seatbelt.

Source & photo: Madera CHP