Monterey County, CA (January 12, 2026) – Authorities at the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office identified 22-year-old Pearl Chavez as the woman killed in a head-on car crash outside Castroville on Monday, January 12, 2026.
Incident Details: A crash was reported on Monday morning on Highway 1 just outside of Castroville.
The California Highway Patrol stated that a gray Acura driven by a man was traveling southbound on Highway 1, north of Highway 183. At the same time, a red Volkswagen driven by Pearl Chavez was traveling northbound on Highway 1.
The two vehicles crashed head-on at around 6:16 a.m. The Acura came to a stop blocking the southbound lanes of traffic. The Volkswagen came to a rest on the right shoulder of the road.
Drivers of both vehicles were taken to the hospital with major injuries. Chavez, the driver of the Volkswagen, later died of her injuries.
The reason for the collision is still under investigation. CHP noted that it is unclear whether drugs or alcohol were factors in the crash.
Investigation: The California Highway Patrol is continuing to investigate the head-on collision that occurred on Highway 1 just outside of Castroville and resulted in the death of Pearl Chavez. Investigators will work to determine why the two vehicles collided, focusing on whether one of the drivers crossed into oncoming traffic or otherwise lost lane control.
CHP is expected to examine physical evidence from the scene, including vehicle damage, debris patterns, skid marks, and the final resting positions of both vehicles, to reconstruct the sequence of events leading up to the crash. Authorities will also review witness statements, roadway conditions, lighting, and any available surveillance or dash camera footage.
Because the cause of the collision remains unclear, investigators will also await toxicology results to determine whether drugs or alcohol played any role. These findings will help establish a clear timeline and determine fault.
Legal Considerations: Head-on collisions often involve serious questions of negligence, particularly when one vehicle enters the opposing lane of traffic. If the investigation determines that another driver’s unsafe actions (like distraction, impairment, or failure to maintain lane control) caused the crash, civil liability may apply for the resulting death and injuries.
For Pearl Chavez’s family, the loss of a 22-year-old loved one is devastating. If the driver of the Acura is found to be at fault, a wrongful death claim may help surviving family members seek compensation for medical expenses, funeral and burial costs, loss of future financial support, and the loss of companionship and guidance Chavez would have provided.
My deepest sympathies go out to the family and loved ones of Pearl Chavez during this incredibly challenging time.
Source: KSBW