Merced County, CA – Two young lives were cut short late Sunday night when 28-year-old Susana Esquivel of Atwater and 29-year-old Tyler Alexander Jackson of San Jose were killed in a violent head-on collision along State Route 59, just south of Washington Road in Merced County.
iPhone Crash Alert Leads Authorities to Deadly Scene
The California Highway Patrol (CHP) said they were alerted to the crash at 11:13 p.m. after the iPhone crash detection system sent an emergency notification to the Merced Communications Center. Responding units discovered two mangled Toyota Camry sedans and confirmed that both drivers had died at the scene.
Preliminary Investigation
CHP investigators determined that Esquivel was driving a 2019 Toyota Camry southbound when her car crossed the center line into oncoming traffic. Jackson, traveling northbound in his 2016 Toyota Camry, had no time to avoid the impact.
The two vehicles collided head-on, and both drivers – the only occupants – were fatally injured.
Victims Identified
- Susana Esquivel, 28, of Atwater, CA
- Tyler Alexander Jackson, 29, of San Jose, CA
Both victims were remembered by loved ones as kind, hardworking, and full of life. Esquivel’s family said she was deeply devoted to her loved ones, while Jackson’s friends described him as someone who always put others first.
Community in Mourning
The sudden loss of two young adults has shaken families in Atwater and San Jose. Social media tributes poured in on Monday, with friends sharing heartfelt memories and photos. “Susana had the brightest smile and the biggest heart,” one friend wrote. “Tyler was a brother to us all,” another added.
Neighbors expressed shock at the tragedy, noting the dangers of late-night driving along the rural stretch of State Route 59.
CHP Calls for Road Safety
CHP urged drivers to remain vigilant, particularly at night and on two-lane roads. “This is a heartbreaking reminder of how quickly lives can be taken on the roadway,” a CHP spokesperson said. “We encourage drivers to slow down, avoid distractions, and always stay in their lane.”
The collision is still under investigation by CHP Accident Reconstructionist Trooper Matt Smith, with assistance from the Millard Volunteer Fire Department and Lifeguard Ambulance Service.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Investigating Officer Eric Jimenez at (209) 356-6600.
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