Three people were tragically killed in a crash on Interstate 5, according to officials.
FRESNO, CA, (June 19, 2025) -
Three people from different states lost their lives in a fiery wrong-way crash Thursday evening on Interstate 5 in Fresno County, officials said.
Lloyd Miller, 21, of Middlebury, Indiana, was tragically killed Thursday evening in Fresno County when a wrong-way driver caused a multi-vehicle crash, authorities confirmed.
The California Highway Patrol reported that the deadly incident occurred around 7:39 p.m. when a Jeep, driven by a man from Shasta County, was traveling south in the northbound lanes near Highway 145. The Jeep collided head-on with a utility van carrying multiple puppies and two men—Lloyd Miller, 21, of Middlebury, Indiana, and a man from Wisconsin. Both men died at the scene, along with the wrong-way driver.
A third vehicle struck the van after the initial impact. All vehicles caught fire, trapping those inside. The occupants of the third car suffered only minor injuries.
The Fresno County Coroner’s Office confirmed Miller was the owner of Puppy Wagon, a pet transportation service.
Authorities continue to investigate the crash.
CRASH INVESTIGATION NEEDED
Wrong-way collisions, while relatively uncommon, are among the deadliest types of crashes on California highways. According to state data, an average of 43 people lose their lives each year in such incidents. The risk of a wrong-way crash increases significantly when a driver’s blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is elevated.
“These accidents are often catastrophic due to the force of impact and the element of surprise,” said Candice Bond, Managing Partner at Bond Legal and a veteran auto accident attorney. “In many cases, the victims have little or no time to react.”
Bond emphasized that a comprehensive investigation is essential following a fatal crash. “Factors such as road design, signage, lighting, and visibility must all be carefully evaluated,” she said. “An accident reconstruction team can be crucial in determining exactly how and why a crash occurred. This level of detail is critical for helping families secure the justice and compensation they deserve.”
WRONGFUL DEATH CLAIM
Pending the outcome of the investigation, the family of Lloyd Miller may be entitled to pursue a wrongful death claim. Such claims can seek compensation for emotional distress, loss of companionship, pain and suffering, and other damages resulting from a catastrophic incident like this.
“The grief and hardship following the sudden loss of a loved one can be devastating,” said Candice Bond, Managing Partner at Bond Legal.
“Families deserve to have their rights protected during this difficult time. A skilled wrongful death attorney can monitor the investigation, preserve critical evidence, and advocate for the justice and compensation the family is entitled to.”
Have you experienced a similar accident and need guidance? Contact national legal analyst Candice Bond at Newsline for a free, no-obligation consultation today.
(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).