December 27, 2025 – Merced, CA – Merced CHP officials report that on December 23, 2025, at approximately 1:26 a.m., the Merced Communications Center (MCC) broadcast a call of a wrong-way driver traveling southbound in the northbound lanes of State Route 99, north of 16th Street. CHP Merced units immediately began to respond to the area. While units were enroute, MCC advised an additional caller reported the vehicle had crashed into the center median and possibly traveled off State Route 99.

At approximately 1:37 a.m., a 2013 BMW SUV was located between the northbound and southbound bridges of State Route 99 over Bear Creek. The SUV was on its roof and partially submerged in Bear Creek. Emergency responders immediately entered Bear Creek to check for any occupants. They located a solo adult male deceased in the driver’s seat.

The northbound lanes of State Route 99 were affected for approximately three hours as emergency personnel extricated the 68-year-old male driver from Santa Ana, CA, and as the tow crew recovered the BMW SUV from Bear Creek.

The cause of the crash is still under investigation, and it is unknown if the deceased driver was under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol.

For media inquiries, please contact Public Information Officer Eric C. Zuniga at (209) 356-6608. If anyone witnessed the traffic crash or has information regarding the events leading up to it, please contact Investigating Officer Angel Fuentes at (209) 356-6600.

The California Highway Patrol wants to remind all motorists of the importance of not driving while impaired during the holidays. One careless choice can cost lives and turn a celebration into a tragedy.

The mission of the CHP is to provide the highest level of Safety, Service, and Security.

Source: Merced CHP