A festive barbecue evening in Madera took a devastating turn as a car accident unfolded, resulting in the loss of two lives. The incident occurred at the intersection of Avenue 17 and Crescent Drive, casting a shadow over the gathering.
Shortly before 10 p.m., the atmosphere shifted from celebration to shock when a man from Kerman was struck and killed by a car while unloading supplies for the event. Arturo Carabez Ochoa, 42, was in the process of retrieving corn from the bed of a Ford F-250 pickup parked on the south shoulder of Avenue 17, just east of Crescent. The unexpected collision occurred when a Nissan Altima, driven by 22-year-old Gustavo Quezada-Chavez from Firebaugh, veered onto the right shoulder and collided with both Ochoa and the parked pickup.
Tragically, the impact claimed the lives of both Ochoa and Quezada-Chavez. Ochoa’s passing was confirmed by the Madera County Coroner’s Office, while the Nissan Altima burst into flames after the collision. Despite valiant efforts from individuals at the barbecue to extinguish the fire, Quezada-Chavez’s life was also lost at the scene.
As the investigation unfolds, the cause of the Madera car accident remains under scrutiny, including the possibility of alcohol or drug involvement on the part of the Nissan driver. The California Highway Patrol has yet to confirm any impairment.
Car accidents are always devastating, but this particular tragedy is particularly heart-wrenching due to the loss of two young lives. Our condolences go out to everyone affected by this Madera car accident.
The attorneys at Farahi Law Firm extend our deepest sympathies to all those who were close to Ochoa and Quezada-Chavez, and are here to help anyone affected by this tragedy.
If you have any questions about how a wrongful death lawsuit can help you cope with the pain of such an unbearable loss, please do not hesitate to contact us for more information. Our team is here and ready to answer your questions as we all seek justice in this unfortunate situation. Call us for a free consultation.
