Mom and 2-year-old daughter, neither wearing seat belt, die in Fresno County crash

A mother and her 2-year-old daughter died in a violent collision Wednesday morning that unfolded south of the Fresno city limits and left many questions unanswered.

It happened around 10:15 a.m. near the intersection of Jefferson and Walnut avenues in the Easton area.

California Highway Patrol said a 28-year-old woman in a Honda Civic blew past at a stop sign while driving north on Walnut and crashed into a Chevrolet Tahoe that was traveling east on Jefferson.

The impact of the collision was so strong, CHP said, the Tahoe ended up with its wheel upright. The Civic, meanwhile, came to a rest on its side.

The woman driving the Civic was unrestrained at the time of the crash and was pronounced dead at the scene.

A 2-year girl inside the Civic died later after succumbing to her injuries, CHP said.

Investigators discovered that the toddler also was unrestrained. In fact, investigators said there was no child safety seat in the vehicle.

It was unclear why neither mom nor the child were buckled up inside the Civic.

CHP said it was currently unknown whether drugs and/or alcohol were factors in this crash; however, impairment is not suspected.

Toxicology results are pending through the Fresno County Coroner’s Office.

Meanwhile, the two people inside the Chevy Tahoe — two boys, 16 and 17 years olds — sustained minor injuries and were taken to Community Regional Medical Center.

CHP said the two teens were wearing seat belts.

CHP also confirmed that the Tahoe had the right of way at the time of the collision, traveling on a through street with no posted stop signs.

This story was originally published December 17, 2025 at 5:10 PM.