CHP officers seek driver after deadly hit-and-run crash at high speed along Highway 99

Officers are looking for a driver who allegedly caused a deadly high-speed crash early Sunday on Highway 99 in Madera.

Witnesses saw a white Toyota C-HR SUV traveling at high speed in the southbound fast lane about 1:45 a.m. near Avenue 16, according to California Highway Patrol reports. A blue Chevrolet van was headed south in the slow lane.

“For unknown reasons, the Toyota veered to the right and rear-ended the Chevy van,” Sgt. Lincoln McKenna said.

The crash caused the van to leave the road and overturn, then come to rest blocking the slow lane, he said. The driver, who was not wearing a seat belt, was thrown from the van.

First responders tried life-saving measures, but the driver was pronounced dead at the scene. His identity was not released.

The people in the Toyota all ran from the collision and were gone by the time the CHP arrived. Officers are investigating and searching for the SUV driver.

Bethany Clough

The Fresno Bee

(559) 441-6431

Bethany Clough covers restaurants and retail for The Fresno Bee. A reporter for more than 20 years, she now works to answer readers’ questions about business openings, closings and other business news. She has a degree in journalism from Syracuse University and her last name is pronounced Cluff.