The fatal collision occurred on Highway 1 south of Handley Drive at approximately 12:20 p.m. on Wednesday, April 9, 2026.
Monterey County, CA – The authorities have released the name of an elderly driver who was killed in a three-car crash in Carmel on April 9.
The coroner identified the victim as William Ziering, a 96-year-old resident of Carmel.
One other person suffered major injuries in the crash.
Original Story
Monterey County, CA – One person was killed, and another was seriously injured in a three-vehicle crash on Highway 1 in Carmel early this month, according to the California Highway Patrol.
The fatal collision occurred on Highway 1 south of Handley Drive at approximately 12:20 p.m. on Wednesday, April 9, 2026.
Preliminary investigation findings indicate that a 96-year-old man from Carmel was driving a Lexus sedan southbound behind a Subaru sedan occupied by a 24-year-old driver and two female passengers, ages 23 and 24, all from Oakland. At the same time, a 78-year-old woman from Carmel was driving a Honda SUV northbound. For unknown reasons, the Lexus crossed over the double-yellow lines into the northbound lanes and collided head-on with the Honda SUV before rebounding into the southbound lanes and striking the Subaru.
The 96-year-old Lexus driver was transported to a local hospital with major injuries and was later pronounced dead. The 78-year-old driver of the Honda SUV sustained major injuries and was also taken to a hospital for treatment. The driver and passengers in the Subaru reported no injuries. The identity of the deceased has not yet been released. No arrests were reported.
Emergency responders arrived at the scene to assist the victims and manage the crash site.
The collision impacted traffic along Highway 1 as crews worked to investigate and clear the roadway.
The cause of the crash remains under investigation, though authorities stated that drugs or alcohol do not appear to have been factors.