Porterville, California (February 9, 2026) — A 90-year-old Tulare County Sheriff’s volunteer was killed Monday morning in a head-on collision on Highway 190 east of Success Valley Drive. Authorities identified the victim as Jack Terrell. His wife, Lucinda Terrell, was hospitalized following the crash. The other driver, 20-year-old Carter Lee, sustained minor injuries.
The collision occurred around 7:30 a.m. near Porterville, according to the California Highway Patrol.
Incident Details: CHP officers reported that Carter Lee was driving a GMC on Highway 190 when, for reasons still under investigation, his vehicle crossed into the oncoming lane of traffic. The GMC then collided head-on with a Honda Pilot driven by Jack Terrell.
The impact was severe. Jack Terrell was pronounced dead at the scene. Lucinda Terrell was transported to a hospital for treatment of injuries. Officials have not released details regarding the extent of her condition. Carter Lee suffered minor injuries in the crash.
The Terrells were members of the Tulare County Sheriff’s volunteer patrol, serving their community through public safety support efforts.
Investigation: The cause of the crash remains under active investigation by the California Highway Patrol. In head-on collisions involving lane departure, investigators typically focus on several key factors, including driver distraction, fatigue, medical episodes, mechanical failure, and roadway conditions.
Highway 190 is a two-lane roadway in portions near Success Valley Drive, meaning a single lane deviation can immediately place oncoming motorists at risk. Reconstruction specialists will likely examine vehicle positions, skid marks, steering input, and event data recorder information to determine what led Lee’s vehicle to cross the center line.
Investigators may also analyze whether speed, visibility, or roadway geometry played a role. High speeds diminish a driver’s reaction time and increase stopping distances, making it crucial to determine the vehicle’s speed at the time of the crash. Visibility issues, such as fog, heavy rain, darkness, or obstructions, can severely impair a driver’s ability to perceive hazards and maintain lane position. Risk factors contributing to the loss of control may include the roadway’s inherent design, such as sharp curves, steep grades, or inadequate banking.
Determining whether the lane departure was momentary or prolonged will be central to understanding how the crash unfolded and whether it could have been prevented.
No charges have been announced at this time.
Legal Considerations: Head-on crashes are among the most catastrophic types of roadway collisions due to the combined force of opposing vehicles. When one vehicle crosses into oncoming traffic, liability often hinges on whether the driver exercised reasonable care and maintained proper lane control.
Pending the outcome of the investigation, the Terrell family may be able to pursue wrongful death or personal injury claims. Such claims can help them address medical expenses, funeral costs, and the long-term emotional and financial impact of their loss.
I offer my sincere condolences to the Terrell family and the Tulare County Sheriff’s volunteer community during this challenging time.
Source: ABC30