Gwen Simmerman dies in pedestrian crash on Highway 116

Dodge Ram struck woman near Armstrong Woods Road in Guerneville

May 05, 2026 | Guerneville, CA

An 86-year-old woman from Lake Stevens, Washington, lost her life following a collision at a busy Sonoma County intersection, as reported by the California Highway Patrol.

Gwen Simmerman, 86, of Lake Stevens, Washington died after a Dodge Ram struck her while she crossed Highway 116 near Armstrong Woods Road in Guerneville.

The Sonoma County Coroner’s Office confirmed the victim as Gwen Simmerman.

What Happened in the Crash?

The incident unfolded around 1:50 p.m. on May 5 at the intersection of Armstrong Woods Road and Highway 116. According to investigators, a Dodge Ram traveling north on First Street attempted a left turn onto Highway 116. The driver failed to yield, striking Simmerman, who had activated the crosswalk signal and was lawfully crossing the street.

Simmerman was rushed to Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital but succumbed to her injuries shortly after arrival.

• Date and Time: May 5, approximately 1:50 p.m.
• Location: Armstrong Woods Road and Highway 116, Guerneville, CA
• Victim: Gwen Simmerman, 86, from Lake Stevens, WA
• Vehicle Involved: Dodge Ram pickup truck
• Driver: Unnamed Guerneville resident, arrested on suspicion of DUI and other charges
• Outcome: Driver booked into Sonoma County Jail, and investigation ongoing

Authorities took the Dodge Ram driver, a local man from Guerneville, into custody on suspicion of driving under the influence, along with related offenses. He was subsequently processed at the Sonoma County Jail.

Why Do Pedestrian Accidents Like This Occur?

Pedestrian fatalities remain a pressing concern on U.S. roadways, often stemming from driver inattention or impairment. Data from the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA) indicates that 2,304 pedestrians were fatally struck in the first half of 2024 alone.

Drunk driving exacerbates these risks, with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reporting 12,429 alcohol-impaired driving fatalities in 2023—averaging 34 lives lost each day.

These figures underscore the need for heightened vigilance, especially in areas with heavy pedestrian traffic like Guerneville intersections.

Legal Insights

National legal analysts emphasize the broader implications of such incidents for accountability and support.

“In cases such as this, separate from any criminal proceedings, affected families may pursue compensation via civil action against the at-fault party,” noted Candice Bond, managing partner at Bond Legal.

Key takeaways include:

• Families can seek remedies for medical costs, funeral expenses, loss of companionship, and emotional distress.
• Legal guidance helps navigate grief while ensuring responsible parties face consequences for impaired driving.
• Wrongful death claims arise when negligence, such as DUI, directly causes a fatality.

“A wrongful death occurs when negligent actions, including driving under the influence, lead to loss of life, opening avenues for civil recourse,” added Stefano Formica, of counsel with Bond Legal.

This ongoing investigation highlights the preventable nature of many roadway tragedies. Newsline, the premier digital news platform owned by Belsito Communications, Inc., upholds an unwavering commitment to journalistic integrity and editorial excellence. 

Our rigorous standards ensure accurate, timely reporting. We invite readers to review our Corrections Policy for transparency, with a 24-hour review guarantee on submissions via the Corrections Form.

(This report is based on verified data - learn more on our About Us page.)

Newsline - is your trusted source for legal news and accident reports, delivering timely updates to keep you informed.