Moss Landing, California (April 4, 2026) — A Castroville man was killed early Saturday morning in a suspected DUI hit-and-run crash on Highway 1 in Monterey County, according to authorities. CHP said the collision happened after a BMW crossed into the southbound lane and crashed into a Ford SUV.
Authorities later identified the deceased as 22-year-old Bryan Ortiz of Castroville. KSBW noted that CHP initially described the victim as a 32-year-old Castroville man, but said the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office Coroner Division later identified him as Ortiz, 22.
The crash happened around 12:45 a.m. on Highway 1 south of Springfield Road in Moss Landing.
Incident Details: According to CHP, a San Jose man was driving a BMW sedan northbound on Highway 1 when, for an unknown reason, he crossed into the southbound lane and collided with a Ford SUV traveling southbound. Ortiz was driving the Ford SUV and died at the scene.
The BMW was carrying three men from San Jose: a 25-year-old driver, a 24-year-old passenger, and another male passenger. After the crash, CHP said the BMW driver and one passenger tried to flee on foot. The Monterey County Sheriff’s Office used a drone and found the two hiding near a pond in the area of Highway 1 and Struve Road, where they were detained.
Authorities said the BMW driver and the 24-year-old passenger suffered major injuries, while the third passenger suffered moderate injuries. All three were taken to a local hospital. CHP said the BMW driver was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol, manslaughter, and hit-and-run.
Investigation: Given the nature of a suspected DUI head-on collision, investigators will probably focus on understanding why the BMW entered the oncoming traffic lane. Crash reconstruction often plays a crucial role here, as it helps establish details like lane positioning, speed, driver reactions, and the sequence of events leading up to the impact. The investigation will also consider whether factors such as alcohol, high speed, or other impairments may have contributed.
Investigators may also review physical evidence from the roadway, vehicle damage, witness statements, and any available electronic or video evidence. The reported decision to flee the scene after the crash may also become an important part of the broader investigation. This is the kind of collision that calls for a full accounting of what happened and why.
Legal Considerations: Fatal crashes involving suspected DUI and a reported attempt to flee the scene often present strong grounds for civil claims. In a case involving suspected DUI, manslaughter allegations, and a reported hit-and-run, the civil side can be just as important for families seeking answers, accountability, and financial justice after a preventable loss.
If the evidence confirms that the BMW driver crossed into oncoming traffic while impaired, that conduct would likely become a central issue in both the criminal case and any civil claims arising from Bryan Ortiz’s death.
Pending the investigation’s findings, Ortiz’s family may have a valid opportunity to pursue a wrongful death claim. These claims may provide compensation for funeral and burial expenses, loss of financial support, and the loss of love, companionship, care, and guidance.
My deepest condolences go out to Brian’s loved ones and family.
Source: KSBW