The deadly collision occurred just before midnight Tuesday, March 10, on Interstate 5 south of County Road 8, authorities reported.
Yolo County, CA – The authorities have released the identities of two people who died in a wrong-way crash on Interstate 5 in rural Yolo County late Tuesday night, according to the California Highway Patrol.
The Yolo County Coroner’s Office identified the victims as 37-year-old Gracie Ellen Pack Meiggs of Carmel and 30-year-old Efrain Maximo Martinez of Woodland.
The deadly collision occurred just before midnight Tuesday, March 10, on Interstate 5 south of County Road 8, authorities reported.
Investigators say Martinez was driving a vehicle that crossed into the wrong direction of Interstate 5, where it collided head-on with another vehicle traveling in the proper direction.
Martinez, the wrong-way driver, died in the crash. Meiggs, who was a passenger in the vehicle struck head-on, also suffered fatal injuries. The driver of that vehicle sustained major injuries and was transported to a hospital for treatment.
Authorities believe drugs or alcohol may have been contributing factors in the Yolo County crash, although the exact circumstances leading up to the collision remain under investigation.
Emergency responders arrived at the scene shortly after the crash to assist the injured driver, secure the area, and begin the on-site investigation.
The fatal crash caused disruptions along Interstate 5 south of County Road 8 as crews worked to investigate the scene and clear the wreckage from the roadway.
Officials say the Yolo County crash remains under investigation as authorities continue gathering details about the events that led to the fatal collision.
Crash Statistics
According to the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), California recorded 4,061 traffic fatalities in 2023, compared to 4,539 deaths in 2022. Statewide data shows there are more than 150,000 crashes reported annually, including over 50,000 injury collisions. Wrong-way crashes, although less common, often result in severe or fatal injuries due to the high-speed head-on impacts involved.
If you’ve lost a loved one in a fatal car accident, speaking with a skilled wrongful death attorney can help you understand your legal rights during this difficult time. An attorney can guide your family through the claims process, protect your interests, and pursue compensation for your loss. Reach out today for compassionate legal support and a free case evaluation.