Coroner ID’s wrong-way driver who died in multi-vehicle crash on Hwy 99 in Fresno
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- Coroner identified Paul Nichelmann, 58, as wrong-way driver killed on Hwy 99
- Crash occurred after reports of a northbound vehicle in southbound lanes near Olive Avenue
- Investigation ongoing; toxicology will determine if alcohol or drugs were factors
Paul Nichelmann, 58, was identified by the coroner as the wrong-way driver who was killed in a multi-vehicle collision on Highway 99.
The California Highway Patrol said the fatality happened just after 2 p.m. after reports of a wrong-way driver traveling north in the southbound lanes of 99 from Olive Avenue before crashing, south of Clinton Avenue, according to the California Highway Patrol.
Nichelmann was traveling north in a Ford Ranger in the No. 1 (far left) lane.
Meanwhile, a Ford Bronco driven by a 24-year-old woman and a Chevrolet Equinox driven by a 63-year-old woman were traveling southbound toward the oncoming Ranger.
The Bronco driver attempted to avoid the Ranger, but a head-on collision occurred, and the vehicles came to rest blocking the Nos. 1 and 2 southbound lanes. The Equinox was unable to avoid the crash.
Nichelmann was taken to Community Regional Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead.
The drivers of the Ford Bronco and Chevrolet Equinox were taken to the hospital for treatment.
It is unknown if alcohol or drugs were a factor in the crash pending toxicology results.
The investigation is ongoing.
This story was originally published January 6, 2026 at 8:11 AM.
