Modesto man dies in three-vehicle crash on Highway 120 near Oakdale
A Modesto man died Wednesday night following a three-vehicle crash on Highway 120, according to the California Highway Patrol.
The collision happened around 10:11 p.m. west of Valley Home Road near Oakdale when 48-year-old Benjamin Paul was driving a 2024 Lexus sedan westbound and, for unknown reasons, crossed into the eastbound lane, the CHP said in a news release. The Lexus first sideswiped a 2014 Kenworth semi-truck and trailer before crashing head-on into a 2021 Chevrolet SUV.
Paul was taken to Oak Valley Hospital, where he later died from his injuries, authorities said.
Two passengers in the Chevrolet SUV suffered minor injuries and were taken from the scene for treatment. The SUV’s driver, a 33-year-old Oakdale man, and the 27-year-old Oakdale man driving the semi were not hurt.
CHP said all occupants were wearing seatbelts at the time of the crash. It is not yet known whether drugs or alcohol played a role in the collision.
The crash remains under investigation.
This story was originally published July 10, 2025 at 9:55 AM.
