Monterey County, CA (January 13, 2026) – A deadly wrong-way collision involving three vehicles on Hwy 101 south of Jolon Rd on January 10 claimed the life of a Salinas woman and injured several others, including a child, according to the California Highway Patrol.
CHP reports that around 9:51 p.m., 65-year-old Paul Lee Cooper of Oregon was driving a 2016 Toyota Tacoma southbound in the northbound No. 1 lane of Hwy 101. At that time, 33-year-old Dinora Maribel Gomez was heading northbound in the same lane in a 2006 Toyota Corolla with an 11-year-old boy as a passenger. A third vehicle, a 2014 Honda Accord driven by a 36-year-old King City man with a 27-year-old female passenger, was also traveling northbound in the No. 2 lane.
The Tacoma struck the Corolla head-on, sending it into the path of the Honda, which then collided with the rear of the Corolla. Paramedics pronounced Gomez dead at the scene due to blunt-force injuries. The young boy in her vehicle suffered major injuries and was flown to Santa Clara Valley Medical Center for treatment.
Cooper was transported to Natividad Medical Center with serious injuries and was later arrested on suspicion of impairment. Both occupants of the Accord were treated for moderate to minor injuries at Mee Memorial Hospital.
CHP confirmed that all vehicle occupants were wearing seat belts. The involved vehicles were seized as evidence as part of the ongoing investigation.
Our deepest condolences go out to the family of Dinora Maribel Gomez, and we hope for healing and recovery for all those affected.
