Dodge Durango crossed into oncoming traffic and struck their Kia Soul
January 16, 2026 | Fresno, CA
Authorities arrested a 21-year-old man from Clovis with a suspended driver's license after a deadly head-on crash that claimed the lives of an elderly couple.
Ted Amber, 87, and Sharon Amber, 86, of Clovis, died after a Dodge Durango crossed the center line on Auberry Road just west of Summit Mountain Road and hit their Kia Soul.
The victims were identified as 87-year-old Ted Amber and 86-year-old Sharon Amber, both from Clovis.
What Happened in the Crash?
According to the California Highway Patrol (CHP), the incident occurred around 11:30 a.m. on Auberry Road, west of Summit Mountain Road. A Dodge Durango driven by the Clovis man veered into oncoming traffic and collided head-on with a Kia Soul occupied by the Ambers. The couple was pronounced dead at the scene.
The Dodge driver sustained injuries but was taken into custody on charges of vehicular manslaughter with gross negligence.
- Date and Time: Jan. 16, approximately 11:30 a.m.
- Location: Auberry Road, west of Summit Mountain Road, Fresno County
- Vehicles Involved: Dodge Durango, eastbound, and Kia Soul, oncoming
- Victims: Ted Amber, 87, and Sharon Amber, 86, both deceased
- Suspect: 21-year-old Clovis man with suspended license, arrested
- Agency: California Highway Patrol (CHP)
- Status: Ongoing investigation
Why Do Head-On Crashes Like This Occur?
Head-on collisions often result from drivers crossing into oncoming lanes, doubling the force of crash and leading to severe outcomes despite safety features like seat belts and airbags. Common causes include wrong-way driving, often linked to impaired judgment.
Nationwide, traffic fatalities have risen due to behaviors such as speeding, driving under the influence, and distractions from cellphones. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported 8,055 motor vehicle deaths in the first quarter of 2025 alone.
Factor |
Contribution to Fatalities |
Source |
|---|
Speeding |
Increases crash severity by up to 50% |
NHTSA |
Distracted Driving |
Accounts for 8-10% of fatal crashes |
CDC |
Impaired Driving |
Involved in 30% of all traffic deaths |
Federal Highway Administration |
Wrong-Way Driving |
Leads to 400+ fatalities annually |
NHTSA |
Legal Insights
In cases such as this involving motor vehicle crashes, an independent review can uncover critical details. Candice Bond, managing partner at Bond Legal and a national analyst for Newsline, emphasized the need for thorough examinations.
“In addition to the diligent work of law enforcement, an attorney can re-interview important witnesses, analyze any surveillance video from the scene of the crash, and obtain phone and texting records of the liable party,” Bond said. “Time is of the essence in cases such as this one, and the victim’s family must ensure that evidence is reviewed efficiently.”
Key takeaways from legal perspectives on such incidents:
- Preserve evidence promptly to build a strong case.
- Independent investigations complement official investigations.
- Analyze all factors, including driver behavior and road conditions.
Family members of those affected may pursue a wrongful death claim for losses like companionship, emotional distress, and financial support.
Stefano Formica, of counsel with Bond Legal, noted the dual emotional and economic effects.
“We understand that losing a loved one is not only a deeply emotional loss but also an economic one,” Formica said. “If you have lost a loved one due to someone else’s negligence, contact a wrongful death attorney and get the guidance needed to obtain the justice you deserve. Insurance companies may try to take advantage of your lack of knowledge of the law and offer a low settlement or deny your claim altogether. An attorney can protect your rights and ensure that you are not taken advantage of.”
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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).