The fatal crash occurred at approximately 5:30 AM on December 4, 2025, at the intersection of Golden Hill Road and Highway 46.
Paso Robles, CA – A 63-year-old Paso Robles man was killed early Thursday morning after his vehicle was struck from behind by a Freightliner box truck at a Paso Robles intersection, according to the Paso Robles Police Department.
The fatal crash occurred at approximately 5:30 AM on December 4, 2025, at the intersection of Golden Hill Road and Highway 46.
Authorities reported that the vehicles involved included a four-door Lexus and a 2017 Freightliner box truck. The Lexus had been stopped at a red light on westbound Highway 46 at Golden Hill Road when the collision occurred. The Freightliner, also traveling westbound, approached the same intersection but allegedly failed to slow down.
Investigators say the truck slammed into the rear of the Lexus, causing fatal injuries to the 63-year-old driver. Emergency personnel attempted life-saving measures, but the victim was pronounced deceased at the scene.
The driver of the box truck, identified as 25-year-old Gean Marco HuamanCastro of Bakersfield, was detained following the collision. Paso Robles Police arrested him on suspicion of vehicular manslaughter, and he was later booked into the San Luis Obispo County Jail. Police added that alcohol and drugs do not appear to be contributing factors at this stage of the investigation.
Officers from the Paso Robles Police Department, along with fire personnel and paramedics, conducted on-scene assessments, gathered witness statements, and examined vehicle damage. Westbound lanes of Highway 46 were temporarily restricted while authorities managed the crash scene and cleared debris.
Police have stated that the cause of the crash remains under investigation, including why the Freightliner failed to slow as it approached the stopped vehicle.
Truck Crash Statistics in California
Large truck collisions continue to be a critical safety concern across the state. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), California consistently ranks among the top states for fatal crashes involving large trucks, with over 400 fatalities reported statewide in 2022.
In addition, the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) reported more than 7,800 injury crashes involving trucks statewide in 2022, highlighting the significant risk posed by heavy commercial vehicles, especially in high-speed or high-traffic corridors.
Truck-involved collisions often result in severe or fatal outcomes due to the weight and size of commercial vehicles, making rear-end impacts especially dangerous for passenger-car occupants.
If you have been involved in a truck accident or if you have lost a loved one because of a collision with a commercial vehicle, it is crucial to seek guidance from an experienced truck accident attorney. Our legal team will evaluate whether another driver or trucking company was negligent, the severity of your injuries, the medical care you require, and the full range of legal options available to you. We offer free consultations by phone, video, or in person, and you will never pay any fees unless we successfully recover compensation on your behalf