Bakersfield, CA (September 15, 2025) – A 24-year-old man from North Hollywood tragically lost his life in a two-vehicle crash on I-5 near Buttonwillow on Monday afternoon, September 15.
The California Highway Patrol reported that the collision occurred shortly after 12:00 p.m. on the northbound lanes of I-5, just north of Rowlee Road. A 2025 Ram 1500 pickup, driven by the North Hollywood man, was traveling northbound when a 2010 Toyota Corolla, driven by a 45-year-old man from La Puente, veered across the dirt center median into oncoming traffic. The Toyota crossed into the northbound lane and struck the pickup head-on, causing catastrophic damage. The impact pushed the Toyota to the east dirt shoulder, where it came to a stop. Despite immediate response from CHP and emergency crews, the young driver of the Ram was pronounced dead at the scene. The Toyota driver sustained injuries, though authorities have not disclosed their extent. Authorities are still working to determine what caused the Toyota driver to cross the median.
We extend our deepest condolences to the family and friends of the victim during this heartbreaking time…