He was booked for gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated
September 28, 2025 | San Bernardino, CA
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A devastating head-on crash in San Bernardino County on September 28, 2025, claimed the life of a 29-year-old Whittier resident and led to the arrest of a 20-year-old driver from Chino Hills, as reported by local authorities.
The incident, which occurred early Sunday morning, involved suspected impairment and remains under active investigation by the Sheriff's Department.
Ethan Ryan Godde, 20, was arrested on suspicion of gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated after a head-on collision on Carbon Canyon Road.
What Happened in the Crash?
- Date: September 28, 2025
- Location: Carbon Canyon Road near Chino Hills Parkway, San Bernardino County
- Time: Just before 5:50 a.m.
- Involved Parties: Ethan Ryan Godde, 20-year-old from Chino Hills, and a 29-year-old resident from Whittier
- Outcome: The Whittier resident was killed in the collision, and Godde sustained minor injuries and was arrested on suspicion of gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated
- Bail: Godde is being held on $250,000 bail
- Investigation: Ongoing by the Sheriff's Department
Why Do These Accidents Happen?
Impaired driving due to alcohol continues to be a major contributor to roadway tragedies across the United States, leading to numerous avoidable losses of life every year.
Data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) indicates that approximately 30% of fatal traffic incidents involve drivers with blood alcohol concentrations (BAC) at or above 0.08 g/dL. For 2023 alone, this resulted in 12,429 deaths from such preventable collisions.
The following table outlines essential statistics on alcohol-related driving fatalities:
Statistic |
Value |
Source |
|---|
Fatalities in alcohol-impaired driving crashes (2023) |
12,429 |
NHTSA |
Percentage of total traffic fatalities |
30% |
NHTSA |
Drivers with BAC = 0.08 g/dL in fatal crashes |
About 30% |
NHTSA |
Common elements in these incidents include diminished decision-making abilities, delayed responses, and compromised vehicle control stemming from alcohol's effects.
Expert Insights
For incidents like this suspected DUI-related crash, a thorough independent probe is essential to identify all possible causes.
“In addition to the diligent work of law enforcement, an attorney can re-interview important witnesses, analyze any surveillance video from the scene of the crash, and obtain phone and texting records of the liable party. Time is of the essence in cases such as this, and the victim’s family must ensure that evidence is reviewed efficiently.”
Candice Bond, Managing Partner at Bond Legal
Key Takeaways from Candice Bond:
- Launch an independent review quickly to secure vital evidence
- Re-examine witness statements and review any available video evidence
- Gather communication and testing records to establish responsibility and impairment levels
“An incident is considered a wrongful death when either a person or entity commits a wrongful or negligent act resulting in a person's death. When vehicle accident fatalities result from unsafe driving, aggressive or distracted driving, speeding, or driving under the influence, family members are usually left with the option to pursue a civil action against the responsible motorist.”
Stefano Formica, Of Counsel with Bond Legal
Key Takeaways from Stefano Formica:
- Wrongful death suits may compensate for burial costs, emotional distress, and loss of support
- Relatives can seek civil remedies against drivers exhibiting reckless conduct, including intoxication
- Emphasize evidence of negligence such as impaired operation in legal proceedings
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(This report is based on verified data - learn more on our About Us page.)
If you, a friend, or a family member has been injured by a hit-and-run or drunk driver, contact national legal analyst Candice Bond for a free consultation.
(Candice Bond, our national legal analyst, is a Managing Partner at Bond Legal. Newsline can and does use quotes from prior interviews with our analysts for our news articles. If you would like to contact Bond Legal to help you, please call 866-985-6515 or use the submission box found on this page. Legal analysts quoted may or may not be licensed in your state).