Passenger Killed in Delano Crash on Highway 99 Identified: Joel Sanchez Perez
DELANO, Calif. (April 9, 2026) — Joel Salomon Sanchez Perez, 55, has been identified as the passenger in a Nissan who died in a wrong-way driver crash on Highway 99 in Delano Saturday that left several others hospitalized, according to the California Highway Patrol.
The collision was reported around 9:17 p.m. April 4 near Ninth Avenue, where officers responded to a multi-vehicle crash involving a driver traveling against traffic.
Investigators say a 28-year-old man was driving a Tesla northbound in the southbound lanes of Highway 99. At the same time, a 49-year-old woman in a Nissan and a 23-year-old woman in a Dodge Charger were traveling southbound, with the Dodge behind the Nissan.
Authorities said the Tesla continued the wrong way for unknown reasons and slammed head-on into the Nissan. The impact caused the Dodge Charger to collide with the Nissan moments later.
Joel Sanchez Perez was riding as a passenger in the Nissan and died at the scene. The Nissan’s driver and another passenger sustained major injuries and were transported to a hospital. One person in the Dodge suffered minor injuries.
The crash shut down traffic for hours overnight near 11th Avenue as crews investigated.
CHP officials said impairment by alcohol and/or drugs is suspected to have played a role in the incident.
Anyone with information is urged to contact CHP Bakersfield at (661) 396-6600.
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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).
