Valley Springs, CA…On 05/07/2025 at approximately 1628 hours, CHP received a report of collision that occurred on SR-26 east of Farris Drive, in Valley Springs CA. Upon arrival, CHP officers determined this to be a three vehicle
fatal traffic collision, with the passenger of Vehicle#1 sustaining fatal injuries.

The driver of Vehicle #1 and passenger of Vehicle #2 sustaining apparent major injuries. Officers contacted the drivers of the three vehicles and several independent witnesses. Driver #1 was driving Vehicle #1 eastbound on SR-26. Driver #2 was driving Vehicle #2 westbound on SR-26. Driver #3 was driving Vehicle #3 behind Vehicle #2, on westbound SR-26. For an unknown reason, Driver #1 allowed Vehicle #1 to travel into the opposing westbound traffic lane. The front of Vehicle #1 collided with the front of Vehicle #2. Driver #1 was flown by air-ambulance to a local trauma center for his injuries.

Passenger of Vehicle #1 sustained fatal injuries. Driver #2 was taken by ground ambulance to a local trauma center for her injuries. Passenger #1 of Vehicle #2 was flown by air-ambulance to a local trauma center. Alcohol is not suspected as a factor in this collision, and the incident is under investigation.

Driver 1: Juvenile / 17 years old / Valley Springs, CA / BMW
Passenger 1 (Vehicle 1): Juvenile/ 17 years old/ Valley Springs/ BMW
Driver 2: Jessica Hernandez/ 25 years old/ Valley Springs/ Toyota
Passenger 1 (Vehicle 2): Juvenile/ 14 years old/ Valley Springs/ Toyota
Driver 3: Molly Bauer/ 22 years old/ Angels Camp/ Subaru

CONTACT
Officer J. Cooper
209-306-6400
jcooper@chp.ca.gov