MADERA COUNTY, Calif. — A tragic crash in rural Madera County claimed the life of a man on Friday afternoon after he was ejected from a vehicle during a violent rollover.
According to the California Highway Patrol (CHP) Madera Area Office, officers were dispatched on Friday, August 29, 2025, at approximately 12:32 p.m. to a solo-vehicle collision along Avenue 12, west of Road 30.
Investigators say a 39-year-old woman from Chowchilla, California, was driving a white 2005 Chevrolet Malibu westbound on Avenue 12 when, for reasons still under investigation, she allowed her vehicle to drift off the roadway onto the right shoulder. The car then crashed into a roadside ditch, overturned, and struck two almond trees before coming to rest.
During the violent sequence, the right front passenger, a 65-year-old man from Madera, California, was ejected from the vehicle. Authorities confirmed that he was not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the collision. Despite immediate life-saving measures performed by first responders, he was pronounced deceased at the scene by medical personnel.
The driver, who was properly restrained by her seatbelt, suffered minor injuries and was transported to a local hospital for treatment. CHP confirmed that alcohol and drugs were not factors in the crash.
This incident once again highlights the critical importance of seatbelt use. CHP officials emphasized their long-standing safety message:
“Click it every trip. Seatbelts save lives – it’s that simple. Whether you’re going across town or just down the street, buckle up every time. No excuses.”
CHP is continuing to investigate the exact cause of the crash, including whether speed, inattention, or other roadway factors played a role.
The identity of the deceased passenger is being withheld pending notification of next of kin.
This tragedy serves as a sobering reminder of how quickly a routine drive can turn deadly and how proper seatbelt use can often mean the difference between life and death.
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