Leslany Santoyo Killed in Crash on Highway 41, Hwy 145 in Madera County
Marcos Hernandez Perez, 26, Also Dies in Madera County Crash
MADERA COUNTY, Calif. (March 27, 2026) — Marcos Hernandez Perez, 26, of Madera, and Leslany Santoyo, 23, of Merced, both died in a crash near Highway 41 and State Route 145 on Saturday night in Madera County, authorities said.
According to the California Highway Patrol, the collision occurred on March 21st around 5:45 p.m. on Road 145 when a Dodge Challenger traveling westbound lost control, crossed into the opposite lane and slammed into an oncoming Honda CR-V.
A Honda Accord traveling behind the Dodge then crashed into the rear of the CR-V, creating a chain-reaction collision.
Perez and Santoyo were both pronounced dead at the scene. The 33-year-old driver of the Honda CR-V sustained major injuries and was airlifted to a hospital for treatment.
Investigators said a passenger from the Honda Accord fled the scene, and the driver was later arrested on DUI charges.
The crash 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).
