Modesto, California (October 25, 2025) — Authorities have identified the man who died after being ejected from his vehicle during a two-car collision in north Modesto as 51-year-old Thomas Chantler. According to the Modesto Police Department, the crash occurred just before 8 a.m. at the intersection of Pelandale Avenue and Prescott Road.
Incident Details: Police said two vehicles collided in the intersection, causing Chantler to be ejected from his vehicle and left critically injured. Bystanders immediately began CPR before first responders arrived. Chantler was transported to a local hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries.
The driver of the other vehicle remained at the scene and cooperated with investigators. Officers confirmed that neither drugs nor alcohol are believed to have been factors in the crash. Traffic in the area was disrupted for several hours while authorities processed the scene and cleared debris from the roadway.
Investigation: The Modesto Police Department’s Traffic Unit continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the collision. Detectives are examining vehicle damage, skid marks, and traffic signal data to determine which driver had the right-of-way. They are also reviewing surveillance footage from nearby businesses and traffic cameras to reconstruct the moments leading up to impact.
In serious intersection collisions, investigators typically assess whether factors such as speed, distraction, or signal violations contributed to the crash. They also consider possible mechanical failures, weather conditions, and lighting conditions, as well as driver visibility. Data recovered from each vehicle’s onboard computer may provide valuable insight into speed, braking, and steering inputs before the collision.
Legal Considerations: Fatal intersection crashes often raise complex questions about fault and roadway safety. Under the California Vehicle Code, drivers are required to yield appropriately and exercise due care to avoid collisions. If investigators determine that one driver failed to obey a signal or maintain safe control, that party could be held civilly liable for damages.
The devastating loss of a loved one due to another party’s negligence is an unimaginable tragedy, and the law provides a pathway for the surviving family to seek justice and financial recovery. In the wake of this fatal two-vehicle collision, the Chantler family may have grounds to pursue a wrongful death claim to recover compensation for funeral costs, emotional distress, and loss of companionship.
I extend my heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Thomas Chantler as they grieve this tragic and sudden loss.
Source: CBS News Sacramento and Modesto Bee