Modesto, CA (March 24, 2026) – A woman died after a rollover crash on Santa Fe St just south of Claus Rd, north of Modesto.
Emergency units were called to the scene around 4:56 a.m. on Monday, March 23, after reports of a crash involving a Honda sedan. When crews arrived, they found the vehicle with major rollover damage along the roadway.
Investigators said the car was traveling southbound on Santa Fe Ave when the driver allowed it to leave the east edge of the road. The vehicle then overturned.
The left rear passenger, identified as a woman, was pronounced dead following the crash. Two other passengers, a 33-year-old man and a 62-year-old woman, were taken to a hospital with minor to moderate injuries.
The driver, 39-year-old Michael Anthony Smith, was not injured in the accident. Authorities said he showed signs of being under the influence and was later arrested on multiple charges, including felony DUI and felony vehicular manslaughter.
Authorities continue to investigate the cause of the crash, and more details will be released as soon as they become available. We extend our sincere condolences to the family of the deceased.
How Rollover Crashes Often Lead to Severe Injuries
Rollover accidents are among the most dangerous types of crashes. When a vehicle overturns, occupants can experience multiple impacts as the vehicle rotates or lands on its roof or side.
Passengers inside a rolling vehicle may be thrown against doors, windows, or the roof. The risk becomes even greater when seat belts are not used properly, since occupants can be thrown around inside the cabin.
Roadway edges, soft shoulders, and sudden steering corrections are common factors that can lead to rollovers. When a vehicle leaves the pavement, uneven ground can cause the tires to dig in and flip the vehicle.
Vehicle design and speed can also influence the severity of these accidents. Cars with a higher center of gravity or vehicles traveling at higher speeds are generally more likely to overturn when control is lost.
