Yolo County, California (October 23, 2025) — Authorities have identified the woman killed in a crash northeast of Woodland last week as Estela Hernandez Vargas, 71, of Knights Landing, according to the Yolo County Coroner’s Office.
Incident Details: The fatal collision occurred around 6:30 a.m. Thursday at the intersection of County Road 102 and County Road 17, a rural area just outside Woodland. According to the California Highway Patrol, Vargas was driving a Kia southbound on County Road 102 when a Toyota traveling east on County Road 17 allegedly ran a stop sign and collided with her vehicle.
Emergency crews arrived to find multiple people injured and both vehicles heavily damaged. Vargas was pronounced dead at the scene. Two of her family members riding in the Kia were transported to a nearby hospital, one reported to be in stable condition after surgery, and another still fighting for his life. The Toyota driver also suffered significant injuries.
Relatives described Vargas as a cherished mother, wife, and grandmother who was “the rock and glue” of her family. A verified online fundraiser was later launched to assist with funeral and medical expenses.
Investigation: The California Highway Patrol is leading the investigation into the deadly crash. Preliminary findings suggest that the Toyota driver failed to stop at a posted sign before entering the intersection. Officers confirmed that alcohol and drugs were not contributing factors in the collision.
Investigators are working to determine whether visibility, speed, or distraction played a role. They are also reviewing the intersection’s traffic signage and roadway design to assess whether additional safety measures, such as rumble strips or enhanced lighting, could help prevent similar accidents.
Rural intersections like County Road 102 and 17 can be especially dangerous due to limited sightlines and higher approach speeds. CHP’s final report will include a reconstruction of the crash sequence to identify any mechanical failures or driver error that contributed to the tragedy.
Legal Considerations: If investigators confirm that the Toyota driver ran a stop sign, the driver may face civil liability under the California Vehicle Code, which requires motorists to come to a complete stop at all designated intersections. The surviving Hernandez Vargas family members may pursue a wrongful death claim, seeking compensation for medical bills, funeral costs, emotional suffering, and loss of companionship.
I send my condolences to the family and loved ones of Estela Hernandez Vargas during this unimaginable time. Our thoughts are also with her injured relatives as they continue to recover from this devastating crash.
Source: ABC10