Monterey County, CA (January 10, 2026) – Authorities have identified 33-year-old Dinora Maribel Gomez as the woman killed in a crash on Highway 101 south of Jolon Road on Saturday night.
Incident Details: The California Highway Patrol (CHP) reported a deadly three-vehicle wrong-way crash on Saturday, January 10, 2026. The collision occurred around 9:51 p.m.
A 65-year-old man, Paul Lee Cooper, was driving a 2016 Toyota Tacoma at an unknown speed southbound in the No. 1 lane of northbound Highway 101 south of Jolon Road. At the same time, 33-year-old Dinora Maribel Gomez was driving a 2006 Toyota Corolla at an unknown speed in the No. 1 lane of northbound Highway 101 with an 11-year-old male passenger. A 36-year-old man was also driving a 2014 Honda Accord northbound in the No. 2 lane at about 60 mph with a 27-year-old female passenger.
According to the CHP, the Tacoma driver’s level of impairment caused him to drive the wrong way on the highway, directly into the path of the Corolla. The front of the Tacoma collided with the front of the Corolla. The force of the impact pushed the Corolla southbound and caused it to collide with the front of the Honda.
Cooper, the driver of the Tacoma, was taken to the hospital with major injuries. He was arrested at the hospital.
Gomez, the driver of the Corolla, sustained blunt-force trauma and was pronounced dead by the paramedics. Gomez’s 11-year-old passenger suffered significant injuries and was taken by air ambulance to another hospital.
The occupants of the Accord suffered moderate to minor injuries and transported themselves to the hospital.
All occupants in all vehicles were reported to be wearing seat belts.
Investigation: The California Highway Patrol is continuing to investigate the three-vehicle wrong-way collision on Highway 101 south of Jolon Road that killed Dinora Maribel Gomez. Investigators will work to confirm how the Toyota Tacoma entered the northbound lanes traveling the wrong direction and what factors contributed to the driver’s alleged impairment.
CHP will examine physical evidence from the scene, including vehicle damage, debris patterns, and the final resting positions of all three vehicles, to reconstruct the sequence of impacts.
Because impairment is suspected, investigators will review toxicology results, officer observations, and any available video or witness statements to establish the Tacoma driver’s condition and actions leading up to the crash. These findings will help CHP determine fault and support any civil and criminal charges stemming from the collision.
Legal Considerations: Wrong-way crashes involving suspected DUI often carry serious criminal and civil consequences. If investigators confirm that Paul Lee Cooper was impaired and caused the collision by driving the wrong way while under the influence, he may face significant criminal charges in addition to civil liability for the resulting death and injuries.
For Dinora Maribel Gomez’s loved ones, this loss is devastating. If the investigation confirms Cooper’s negligence or impairment caused the crash, a wrongful death claim may help surviving family members pursue compensation for funeral and burial expenses, loss of financial support, and the immeasurable loss of companionship and guidance.
The injured victims, including the 11-year-old passenger and the other motorists, may also have personal injury claims to recover medical expenses, future care needs, lost income, and pain and suffering.
My heart goes out to the family and loved ones of Dinora Maribel Gomez, and we wish strength and healing to everyone injured in this tragic crash.
Source: KSBW