Matthew Clark arrested after suspected DUI wreck on Big Bear Boulevard

Two women died after Ford Super Duty struck Subaru Crosstrek in Big Bear Lake

May 04, 2026 | Big Bear Lake, CA

Two women lost their lives, and another suffered severe injuries in a suspected impaired driving incident at the intersection of Big Bear Boulevard and Cienega Road on May 4.

Matthew Clark, 52, was arrested after a suspected DUI crash killed two women and critically injured another in Big Bear Lake.

• Date and Time: Around 10:22 a.m. on May 4
• Location: Big Bear Boulevard and Cienega Road, Big Bear Lake, California
• Vehicles Involved: Ford Super Duty pickup truck and Subaru Crosstrek SUV
• Agency: San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department
• Suspect: Matthew Clark, 52, of Oxnard, arrested on DUI suspicion

Authorities reported that the Ford Super Duty, driven by Clark, was heading south on Cienega Road toward the stop sign at Big Bear Boulevard. A Subaru Crosstrek traveling west on Big Bear Boulevard entered the same intersection. Clark allegedly disregarded the stop sign, causing a collision that proved fatal for two passengers in the Subaru.

The Subaru's driver was airlifted to Loma Linda University Medical Center, where they are receiving treatment for major injuries. Clark faces charges related to driving under the influence and is detained at West Valley Detention Center on $250,000 bail.

Why Do DUI Crashes Occur and What Are the Consequences?

Impaired driving remains a leading cause of roadway tragedies, even when drivers believe they are capable of operating a vehicle safely. Substances like alcohol and drugs can severely impair reaction times, judgment, and coordination.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), an average of 10,850 people perished annually in alcohol-impaired driving crashes between 2012 and 2021.

Ongoing investigations will examine additional elements, such as blood-alcohol levels, to uncover all contributing factors.

Legal Insights

National legal analysts emphasize the importance of accountability in impaired driving cases.

“Drivers impaired by alcohol or drugs face criminal prosecution when their actions lead to harm or loss of life in collisions,” noted Candice bond, managing partner at Bond Legal. “Beyond criminal proceedings, affected families may seek civil remedies to obtain compensation from the at-fault party,” Bond added.

Key takeaways from such incidents include:

• Criminal charges often follow for reckless behavior endangering others.
• Civil actions can address financial losses, emotional distress, and future needs.
• Legal guidance helps families navigate complex processes during grief.

“Wrongful death occurs when negligence or wrongdoing directly causes a fatality,” explained Stefano Formica, of counsel with Bond Legal. “In vehicle crashes stemming from impaired, distracted, or aggressive driving, relatives typically have grounds to file civil suits against the responsible driver.”

For families of those killed, potential wrongful death claims could cover medical bills, funeral costs, loss of companionship, and suffering.

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