Tawny Christner Killed in Crash a at Lassen Avenue and Esplanade in Chico
NORTHERN CALIFORNIA (June 4, 2026) — Tawny Christner, 63, of Clearlake Oaks, died in a multi-vehicle crash in Chico last week with a driver who ran a red light and set off the collision at East Lassen Avenue and Esplanade.
The Chico Police Department responded to the scene of the accident around 1 p.m. on Wednesday, May 27, 2026.
Authorities say a Chico police patrol sergeant witnessed the crash as he was stopped at a red light at the same intersection.
There were six vehicles involved vehicles including a transit bus with a few passengers.
Chico Police Department’s Major Accident Investigation Team is handling the investigation.
Driver Who Struck Victim’s Vehicle is Hospitalized
Preliminary work determined that an 82-year-old man allegedly drove through a red light at high speed and rear-ended a vehicle occupied by a driver and Tawny Christner, which was stopped at the light.
The victim’s vehicle was pushed across the intersection, and it collided with several other stopped vehicles.
The 63-year-old Clearlake Oaks woman died at the scene and the driver of the vehicle was taken to the hospital with minor injuries.
Meanwhile, the at-fault driver was taken to a hospital due to major injuries.
All of the motorists involved remained on scene and cooperated with the investigation.
Finally, the family of Tawny Christner has a GoFundMe page collecting donations for her funeral expenses.
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).
