IDENTIFIED: 18-year-old woman killed in Madera crash named

MADERA COUNTY, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE) — An 18-year-old Madera woman who died after a two-vehicle crash Tuesday night in Madera County has been identified by officials. The Madera County Sheriff’s Office identified the woman as Esmeralda Marcela Gutierrez, a Madera resident. CHP said the crash happened around 9:46 p.m. at Avenue 17 and Road 28 1/2. Officers said Gutierrez was driving a white 2018 Chevrolet Malibu east on Avenue 17 when she approached the intersection. A 25-year-old Madera woman was driving a black 2019 Jeep Wrangler south on Road 28 1/2. CHP said traffic on Road 28 1/2 had the right of way, while traffic on Avenue 17 was controlled by stop signs. According to CHP, Gutierrez failed to stop at the stop sign and entered the intersection in the path of the Jeep. The front of the Chevrolet hit the right side of the Jeep. After the crash, both vehicles traveled toward a nearby home. Officers said the Jeep overturned, and both vehicles came to rest after hitting a parked vehicle and a support beam at the home. CHP said Gutierrez was pronounced dead at the scene. A 19-year-old man in the Chevrolet suffered major injuries and was taken to a local hospital. A 21-year-old woman in the Chevrolet was also taken to a local hospital with minor injuries. CHP said the driver of the Jeep and one passenger suffered minor injuries.