Fatal Madera Crash on Avenue 17 and Road 28 1/2

Bobby Criado, 19, and Esmeralda Marcela Gutierrez, 18, Killed in Collision

MADERA, Calif. (July 7, 2026) — Esmeralda Marcela Gutierrez, 18, and her passenger, Bobby Criado, 19, both died following a crash last week at Avenue 17 and Road 28 1/2 in Madera.

The collision occurred around 10 p.m. on Tuesday, June 30th, when the teenage girl allegedly ran a stop sign and crashed her eastbound white 2018 Chevrolet Malibu into a southbound black 2019 Jeep Wrangler, according to the California Highway Patrol.

Authorities say the Jeep had the right-of-way and there was a stop sign for motorists entering the roadway from Avenue 17.

Sadly, the 18-year-old Malibu driver died at the scene, and her 19-year-old passenger was hospitalized due to major brain trauma. Bobby Criado’s injuries were deemed to be unsurvivable, and he was a registered organ donor. He later died Saturday at the hospital surrounded by his family, according to a GoFundMe campaign. There was a candlelight vigil held to honor Gutierrez, and her family also has a GoFundMe campaign. Meanwhile, a third passenger in the Chevrolet, a 21-year-old woman, was treated at a local hospital for minor injuries.

The driver and passenger in the Jeep were treated for minor injuries.

The deadly traffic accident remains under investigation.

Got Legal Questions? Get Answers: 1-800-208-3538

When it matters most, trust Attorney James Johnson at Johnson Attorneys Group. We are a personal injury law firm serving clients who have been injured throughout California due to negligent motorists. If you were hurt in this collision, call 1-(800) 208-3538. We will request the police report, and the attorney will discuss your options. You are under no obligation to hire us, and there is no cost unless we win your case. Our personal injury law firm is a proud, longtime supporter of Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD).