Merced County, CA – June 27, 2025 – A tragic collision involving a semi-truck and a pickup truck resulted in one fatality and sent two others to the hospital Friday evening near the intersection of State Route 59 and Sandy Mush Road in Merced County.
At approximately 8:11 p.m., the Merced Communications Center (MCC) alerted California Highway Patrol (CHP) Merced Area units to a severe traffic crash. Upon arrival, CHP officers discovered that a 2016 Chevrolet Silverado pickup truck had been struck on the passenger side by a 2024 Freightliner semi-truck.
Emergency personnel responded swiftly and extricated both occupants from the pickup, who were pinned inside due to the impact. Tragically, the passenger—a 35-year-old man from Burlingame, CA—suffered fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene.
Preliminary findings indicate that Rafael Morales Contreras, 29, of San Mateo, CA, was driving the Silverado eastbound on Sandy Mush Road. As he approached the intersection with State Route 59, which is controlled by posted stop signs, he reportedly failed to stop and entered the path of the northbound Freightliner.
Miguel Angel Ramirez, 59, of Winton, CA, was operating the Freightliner, which was traveling northbound on SR-59 at an estimated speed of 55 mph. The big rig struck the passenger side of the pickup truck, causing extensive damage.
Both Mr. Morales Contreras and Mr. Ramirez sustained moderate injuries and were transported to local hospitals for treatment. The crash remains under active investigation by CHP officials.
Anyone with information regarding this incident is urged to contact Investigating Officer Gabriel Partida at (209) 356-6600. Media inquiries may be directed to Public Information Officer Eric C. Zuniga at (209) 356-6608.
