Two Killed Head-on Crash Highway 99, Howsley Road, Pleasant Grove

Two Dead, Two Injured in Head-on Crash in Sutter County

SUTTER COUNTY, Calif., (October 7, 2026) — Two people were killed and two injured in a head-on crash Tuesday on northbound Highway 99 near the Howsley Road off-ramp in the Pleasant Grove area of Sutter County.

UPDATE: Gabriel Rodriguez Maldonado, 45, and Maria Cristina Alarcon-Abarca, 42, both of Chico, have been identified as the two killed in Tuesday’s crash on Highway 99.

According to the California Highway Patrol, the collision occurred on Oct. 6th at approximately 5:27 p.m. and involved a white Toyota Corolla and a black Volvo XC60. According to witnesses, the white Toyota was heading south on SR-99 when the driver reportedly crossed into oncoming traffic, leading to the head-on collision. The Toyota went off the roadway and landed in a ditch, and the other blocked traffic lanes.

Sutter County Tragedy on State Route 99

Emergency services responded swiftly to the scene. Despite their efforts, the driver and front passenger of the Toyota both died at the scene. Their identities were later released (see update). Also, a backseat passenger in the Toyota was airlifted to UC Davis Medical Center for treatment of major injuries.

Meanwhile, the man driving the Volvo was taken by ambulance to Sutter Roseville Medical Center with minor injuries. Traffic on northbound SR99 was temporarily closed and diverted to Howsley Road as first responders managed the scene and attended to other injured parties.

Authorities have urged anyone who may have witnessed the incident or has relevant information to come forward as the investigation into the cause of the crash is ongoing.

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 in Sutter County and 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).

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