Nathan Ruiz died in single-vehicle rollover crash on Highway 146

Vehicle ran off roadway south of Stonewall Canyon Road near Soledad

January 24, 2026 | Soledad, CA

A suspected impaired driver caused a deadly rollover crash east of Soledad, resulting in the death of 22-year-old passenger Nathan Ruiz, according to the California Highway Patrol.

Nathan Ruiz, 22, of Gonzales, died at the scene after being ejected in a rollover crash on Metz Road/Highway 146 south of Stonewall Canyon Road east of Soledad.

What Happened in the Crash?

The incident unfolded when a 24-year-old driver from Gonzales lost control of his vehicle on Metz Road/Highway 146, south of Stonewall Canyon Road. The car veered off the roadway and rolled over, ejecting Ruiz from the vehicle. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

• Date and Time: Saturday evening, Jan. 24
• Location: Metz Road/Highway 146, east of Soledad, Monterey County
• Vehicle Involved: Single passenger vehicle
• Victims: Nathan Ruiz, 22, of Soledad, deceased, and the driver with minor injuries
• Agency: California Highway Patrol (CHP)
• Driver Status: Transported to Natividad Medical Center, and facing felony DUI charges

The driver showed signs of impairment, prompting CHP to pursue criminal charges related to driving under the influence.

Why Do These Accidents Happen?

Impaired driving remains a leading cause of fatal crashes nationwide. Alcohol and drugs can severely impair judgment, reaction times, and coordination, even if the driver feels unaffected.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), from 2012 to 2021, an average of 10,850 people died annually in alcohol-impaired driving crashes. These incidents often involve rollovers, ejections, and other high-risk factors on rural roads like Metz Road.

Data highlights the urgent need for thorough investigations to identify all factors, including blood-alcohol levels.

Legal Insights

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

“Drunken and drugged drivers face criminal charges after accidents that harm or kill others,” noted Candice Bond, managing partner at Bond Legal. “In cases such as this, families may seek compensation through civil lawsuits against the at-fault party.”

Bond added:

“Attorneys can guide families compassionately, safeguarding rights and ensuring reckless drivers are held responsible.”

• Impaired drivers risk felony charges, especially in fatal crashes.
• Civil claims can cover medical costs, funeral expenses, lost companionship, and emotional distress.
• Investigations often reveal additional negligence, strengthening legal actions.

Stefano Formica, of counsel with Bond Legal, explained:

“Wrongful death occurs when negligence, like unsafe or impaired driving, leads to a fatality. Families can pursue civil remedies against the responsible driver.”

These insights underscore the role of independent investigations in pursuing justice.

Crash Investigation Details

Authorities continue to examine the rollover for other potential causes beyond impairment, such as road conditions or vehicle defects. Toxicology results will determine the driver's exact blood-alcohol content.

Pending outcomes, Ruiz's family may file a wrongful death claim to address losses from the tragedy.

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