Update: CHP identifies Ceres man, young son in fatal collision. DUI suspected
The two people killed in a Highway 165 collision in Merced County were identified Tuesday as Adrian Reyes, 41, of Ceres and his 13-year-old son, Noah.
The California Highway Patrol said the father was driving the Honda Accord involved in the crash at about 12:20 a.m. Saturday, March 22.
The other driver, Melissa Rosales, 20, of Los Banos, faces charges of drunk driving and vehicular manslaughter. The CHP said she had major injuries and was taken by air ambulance to a Modesto hospital.
The deaths were noted in a post Tuesday on the Legacy Tributes Facebook page. The same day, a family friend launched a GoFundMe campaign on behalf of survivors, including Isabel Reyes, who lost her husband and son. The GoFundMe page is titled “Support Isabel Reyes in Her Time of Loss.”
“In honor of Adrian and his son Noah, we are organizing a memorial fundraiser to cover funeral expenses and help the family cope with this unexpected loss,” the Facebook post says. “Any contribution will make a significant impact and is sincerely appreciated.”
A news release said the collision happened at Turner Avenue, about two miles south of Hilmar. Rosales was driving a BMW sport utility vehicle south when it crossed over a double yellow line and struck the northbound Accord, the CHP said.
People with information about the crash can contact the investigating officer, Rolando Flores, at 209-356-6600.
This happened eight days after a Ceres father of four was killed in a collision with a semi-truck in south Modesto. Timoteo Alvarez Torres, 32, was involved in the crash on Morgan Road at Nelson Way.
This story was originally published March 25, 2025 at 6:27 PM.
