Driver in 3-vehicle Modesto-area crash that killed 2 identified by coroner
The Stanislaus County Coroner’s Office has identified the driver investigators believe caused a fiery three-vehicle crash north of Modesto that killed two people late last month.
Sean Crisp, 57, of Modesto, was driving the green 2026 Porsche coupe involved in the June 27 collision on Ladd Road east of Tully Road, according to the coroner’s office. Crisp died at the scene.
The crash also claimed the life of Jon Burgess, 38, of Manteca, who died the following day at UC Davis Medical Center in Sacramento after suffering major injuries in the collision.
The California Highway Patrol previously said its preliminary investigation indicates the Porsche was traveling west on Ladd Road at a high rate of speed when it rear-ended a black 2016 Ram pickup. The impact caused the pickup to overturn before the Porsche crossed into the eastbound lane and collided head-on with a white 2023 Mercedes SUV. The Porsche then caught fire.
According to CHP, the Ram was driven by 27-year-old Ismael Gonzalez of Manteca, who suffered minor injuries. His five passengers — a 42-year-old woman, a 26-year-old woman, a 14-year-old girl, a 16-year-old girl and a 2-year-old girl — were properly restrained and either escaped injury or suffered minor injuries.
The Mercedes was driven by 52-year-old Diana Ybarra of Oakdale. She and her passenger, 53-year-old Manuel Ybarra of Oakdale, both suffered major injuries and were taken to local hospitals.
CHP spokesperson Officer Aaron Fay said investigators continue to work to determine Crisp’s activities before the collision, including where he had been prior to the crash. Fay said Monday he was checking with investigators to determine what information had been verified and was not yet able to provide additional details.
Investigators have previously said alcohol is believed to have been a factor in the crash, though Fay said last week authorities were awaiting autopsy and toxicology results before making a final determination.
Because the suspected at-fault driver died in the crash, no criminal charges are expected, Fay previously told The Bee.
The crash occurred about 9:35 p.m. June 27 on Ladd Road just east of Tully Road, near Salida Fire Station 13 and south of Del Rio.
The roadway remained closed for about two hours and 30 minutes while officers investigated.
The investigation remains ongoing.
