Valley Springs, CA…On 06/30/2025 at approximately 1540 hours, CHP received a report of collision that occurred on SR-26 west of Vista Del Lago Drive, in Valley Springs, CA. Upon arrival, CHP officers determined this to be a two-vehicle fatal traffic collision, with the driver of Vehicle#1 sustaining fatal injuries.

Officers contacted the driver of the other involved vehicle and several independent witnesses. Driver #1 was driving Vehicle #1 eastbound on SR-26, west of Vista Del Lago Drive, at an undetermined speed. Driver #2 was driving Vehicle #2 westbound on SR-26, west of Vista Del Lago Drive.

For an unknown reason, Driver #1 failed to negotiate a curve in the eastbound lane, crossed into the westbound lane, directly into the path of Vehicle #2 and collided with Vehicle #2. The front of Vehicle #2 collided with the front of Vehicle #1. Driver #1 was pronounced deceased on scene.

Alcohol is not suspected as a factor in this collision, and the incident is under investigation.

Driver 1: Pending Notification / 78 y/o male / Ione, CA Vehicle #1: 2024 / Mitsubishi / Mirage / Compact sedan

Driver 2: James Lovegren / 61 y/o male / Valley Springs, CA Vehicle #2: 2008 / Ford / F250