CHP: Gerald Nicholson lost control on Hwy 20, hit victim’s Toyota Scion
PLACER, CA, (June 26, 2025) - A 23-year-old man tragically died following a head-on collision Thursday afternoon on Highway 20, according to the California Highway Patrol.
A 23-year-old man was tragically killed in a head-on crash Thursday afternoon on Highway 20 in Placer County.
Authorities say the man was driving a Toyota Scion westbound when a Jeep Grand Cherokee, driven by 90-year-old Gerald Nicholson, veered off the right shoulder, struck a guardrail, and crossed both lanes of traffic, crashing into the Scion.
The young man was airlifted to Sutter Roseville Medical Center, where he later succumbed to his injuries.
The cause of the crash is under investigation.
HEAD-ON CRASH INVESTIGATION
Head-on crashes, like the one that claimed the life of a 23-year-old man on Highway 20 in Placer County, are among the most dangerous types of traffic collisions due to the tremendous force involved when two vehicles traveling in opposite directions collide.
Although head-on crashes represent just 2% of all motor vehicle accidents, they are responsible for roughly 10% of all fatalities, according to the Insurance Information Institute. In 2023 alone, approximately 3,631 people were killed in such crashes. Factors often contributing to these accidents include driver error, excessive speed, mechanical failure, and road conditions.
“In cases like this, it's critical to conduct an independent investigation to determine exactly what caused the crash,” said Candice Bond, Managing Partner at Bond Legal and a veteran auto accident attorney.
“An attorney can collect the proper evidence to help prove that a driver’s actions were reckless, which requires a variety of resources—from accident reconstruction specialists to witness interviews,” Bond added. “A lawyer not only advocates for accountability but also supports the grieving family through one of the most painful times of their lives.”
WRONGFUL DEATH CLAIM
Pending the results of the investigation, the family of the 23-year-old man killed in Thursday’s head-on collision on Highway 20 may have grounds to pursue a wrongful death claim. Such claims allow loved ones to seek compensation for emotional suffering, loss of companionship, and financial hardship caused by a tragic and preventable loss.
“We understand that losing a loved one is not only a deeply emotional loss but also an economic one,” said Candice Bond, Managing Partner at Bond Legal.
“If your family has experienced a loss due to another party’s negligence, consulting with a wrongful death attorney can provide the guidance and support needed to seek justice and protect your rights,” Bond added.
If you or a family member has been affected by a similar incident, national legal analyst Candice Bond is available for a free consultation. Use the contact information provided on this page.
(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).
Tags: Latest News, Non Commercial, Motor Vehicle Accident, California, Highway 20, Placer County, Head-on Accident, Fatal Crash, CHP