Modesto woman dead after head-on crash on Mitchell Road Wednesday morning
The California Highway Patrol responded Wednesday morning to a head-on crash in Modesto in which one person died.
Around 5:45 a.m., emergency personnel arrived at Mitchell Road, just south of Tenaya Drive, and located two vehicles — a 2025 Ford SUV and a 2007 Cadillac SUV — with major front-end collision damage.
The driver of the Ford was pronounced dead at the scene, according to CHP Officer Tom Olsen. She was identified by the Stanislaus County Coroner’s Office as Modesto resident Sue Crawford, 53.
There were two passengers in the vehicle, a 34-year-old Hughson woman and 67-year-old Waterford man. They were taken to Memorial Medical Center with major injuries.
Noel Mendoza-Manlulu, 64, of Modesto was the driver of the Cadillac. He suffered minor injuries and also was taken to Memorial.
A preliminary investigation indicates Crawford was traveling north on Mitchell Road, in the No. 1 lane, approaching a right bend in the roadway at Tenaya Drive, according to the CHP.
Mendoza-Manlulu was traveling south on Mitchell Road near Tenaya Drive in the No. 1 lane, approaching the same bend.
For unknown reasons, the CHP said, Crawford allowed her vehicle to enter the southbound lane, directly into the path of the Cadillac.
A head-on collision occurred and both vehicles came to rest, partially blocking Mitchell Road.
All parties were wearing their seat belts, according to the CHP.
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