SOMERTON, Yuma County, Ariz., Nov. 7, 2026 — A driver died, and two other people were hurt in a two-vehicle crash on Friday morning, November 6, at the intersection of W. County 15th Street and S. Avenue D near Somerton.
The sheriff's office said it received a report of the collision at about 10:09 a.m. A silver Lincoln LS was headed eastbound on County 15th Street when a black Chevrolet Silverado was traveling southbound on Avenue D. Investigators said the Lincoln failed to stop at a posted stop sign, and the two vehicles collided in the intersection. The sheriff's office said speed appears to have been a factor in the crash.
The Somerton Police Department assisted at the scene, and Somerton/Cocopah Fire personnel took the Silverado's driver and the Lincoln's passenger to Onvida Health for treatment. The Lincoln's passenger was later flown to a hospital in the Phoenix area because of serious injuries. The Lincoln's driver was pronounced dead at the scene. He has been identified as Jorge Enriquez Rios, 68, of Fresno, California, and his next of kin have been notified.
Our sympathies are with the family of the person who lost their life.
Intersection Crashes in Arizona
This fatal crash happened at W. County 15th Street and S. Avenue D in Somerton, AZ. Our Arizona intersections page covers intersection crashes across Arizona.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes a crash more likely to be fatal?
Outcomes usually depend on speed at impact, where vehicles are struck, and whether occupants are wearing seat belts. Intersection crashes involving a failure to stop can produce severe side-impact forces even at moderate speeds.
How does speed affect whether people survive a crash?
Higher speed gives drivers less time to react and increases the force involved in a collision. Even modest speed increases can raise the chance of serious or fatal injury.
Why does seat belt use matter so much in a crash like this?
A seat belt keeps an occupant positioned and spreads crash forces across the body, lowering the risk of being thrown from a seat or against the vehicle's interior during a sudden impact.
What should a family do after a fatal crash?
Families typically start by contacting the investigating agency, here the Yuma County Sheriff's Office, for updates and to request the official report once it's completed.
