Napa County, California (March 28, 2026) — Three women were killed, and several others suffered major injuries in a suspected DUI-related head-on crash Saturday morning along Silverado Trail, according to authorities. The Napa County Sheriff’s Office identified the victims as Vivian Bertolino, 65, of American Canyon; Linda Wolters, 62, of American Canyon; and Katrina Clarke, 65, of Sacramento.
The crash occurred just before 12:00 p.m. on Silverado Trail, north of Oak Knoll Avenue.
Incident Details: According to the California Highway Patrol, the crash involved three vehicles: a Mitsubishi sedan, a BMW SUV, and a Toyota sedan.
Investigators reported that a Mitsubishi driven by 65-year-old William Dene Brumley of Vallejo was traveling southbound when it sideswiped a northbound BMW. The Mitsubishi then continued and collided head-on with a Toyota sedan traveling behind the BMW.
Authorities said one passenger in the Mitsubishi was pronounced dead at the scene, while another passenger later died at a hospital. A passenger in the Toyota sedan also succumbed to injuries after being transported for treatment. Several other occupants of the Toyota were taken to a hospital with major, life-threatening injuries, while the occupants of the BMW were treated at the scene for minor injuries.
Brumley was transported to a hospital and later arrested on suspicion of felony DUI involving drugs, according to investigators.
Both directions of Silverado Trail were closed for several hours as emergency crews responded and investigators processed the scene.
Investigation: The California Highway Patrol is leading the investigation. In suspected DUI-related crashes, investigators focus on driver impairment, lane positioning, speed, and loss of control. A key issue in this case is Mitsubishi’s movement into opposing traffic, which led to a sequence of impacts.
Crash reconstruction involves analyzing vehicle paths, impact locations, and toxicology data, as well as considering witness accounts and physical evidence from the scene. Authorities might also assess whether the driver’s behavior, such as crossing into oncoming traffic or losing control, directly caused the fatal chain reaction.
The investigation remains ongoing, and additional findings may be released as forensic and toxicology reports are completed.
Legal Considerations: Crashes involving suspected impaired driving often carry significant legal consequences, both criminally and civilly. If it is confirmed that the driver was under the influence, that conduct may constitute gross negligence, particularly when it results in multiple fatalities. These cases often involve complex liability issues and require a thorough investigation into the driver’s conduct and contributing factors.
Pending the investigation’s result, the Clarke, Bertolino, and Wolters families might be eligible to pursue wrongful death claims. These could include compensation for funeral costs, lost financial support, and companionship. Additionally, injured survivors may file personal injury claims for medical bills, ongoing care, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
I extend my deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of Vivian, Linda, and Katrina. I also wish strength and recovery to those who were injured.
Source: KTVU