Irma Oxlaj Vargas Killed in Motorcycle Crash on US 101 in Palo Alto
UPDATE: Julian Adame Jr., 18, Fell Asleep Behind the Wheel, Hit Motorcyclist
EAST PALO ALTO, Calif., (August 21, 2026) — Irma Elizabeth Oxlaj Vargas, 38, of Redwood City, died in a motorcycle crash involving a drowsy driver early Thursday on the southbound US 101, just south of University Avenue in East Palo Alto.
The incident occurred on August 20th at approximately 6:05 AM, when an Amazon night-shift worker was driving home and reportedly fell asleep behind the wheel. The driver, identified as Julian Adame Jr., 18, struck the motorcyclist from behind.
The motorcyclist reportedly went down in the slow lane, blocking traffic, the California Highway Patrol reported. Emergency responders were dispatched shortly after, with units arriving at the scene by 6:12 AM.
Meanwhile, the teenage driver in the Acura TL reportedly fled the scene without stopping to help the woman.
The female motorcyclist was found with severe injuries, lying in the slow lane. Despite the rapid response from emergency personnel, the rider succumbed to her injuries at the scene. She was later identified by the coroner as Irma Elizabeth Oxlaj Vargas.
Investigators working on the case located a license plate that fell off the suspect’s vehicle, leading to the Acura. They found the vehicle abandoned in Sunnyvale and eventually located the suspect roughly six hours later in Cutler, Tulare County. The San Mateo County District Attorney’s Office has charged the Kingsburg man with vehicular manslaughter and hit-and-run resulting in death. He is scheduled to appear in court on Aug. 31st.
Anyone who may have witnessed the events leading up to the crash should contact the district attorney or the CHP.
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).
