PORTERVILLE, Calif. – A deadly ATV crash shattered the quiet of a Tulare County community Saturday night, leaving a four-year-old girl dead and a local man under arrest. Residents in Terra Bella are reeling as details emerge from the California Highway Patrol about the tragic incident and the suspected role alcohol may have played.
Crash Reported on Rural Road Near Terra Bella
Just before 9 p.m. on Saturday, May 18, California Highway Patrol officers responded to a solo crash on Road 267, just north of Avenue 72—about 5 miles southeast of Terra Bella. Authorities say the vehicle involved was a 2015 Polaris RZR XP4, a type of off-road ATV.
The driver, 42-year-old Ramon Castaneda III of Terra Bella, was reportedly heading north at an undetermined speed when the vehicle lost control. One of two juvenile passengers—a 4-year-old girl—was thrown from the ATV and hit the roadway.
Child Ejected and Killed on Impact
According to the CHP, the young girl was transported to a local hospital following the crash. Despite emergency efforts, she was pronounced dead shortly after arrival. Her name has not been released, pending notification of family.
The other child passenger’s condition was not detailed in the CHP’s report.
Driver Arrested for Suspected DUI at the Scene
California Highway Patrol officers on the scene reported that Castaneda displayed signs of alcohol intoxication. He was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence, though the investigation remains ongoing.
The cause of the crash has not been fully determined, and officials have not yet confirmed whether seat belts or child restraints were used in the vehicle.
Community in Mourning and Safety Concerns Raised
This incident has sparked fresh concerns about ATV safety and impaired driving in rural California communities. Terra Bella residents say off-road vehicles are commonly used in the area, but enforcement of safety protocols often varies.
The tragedy serves as a painful reminder of the importance of sober driving and proper child restraints, even in recreational vehicles.
Our thoughts are with the child’s family during this unimaginable loss. Stay informed and follow us for more updates on this developing story and public safety news in Tulare County.
This article was written by John Deluca. AI was used lightly for grammar and formatting, but the ideas, words, and edits are all mine.
