[04-01-2026] Mendocino County, CA – Passenger Killed in Crash on Highway 128 Near Boonville

A passenger was killed, and the driver arrested on suspicion of vehicular manslaughter after a crash on Highway 128 near Boonville in Mendocino County early Wednesday morning, April 1, 2026.

According to the California Highway Patrol, the 18-year-old driver from Boonville was traveling eastbound on Hwy 128 around 2:24 a.m. when, for reasons still under investigation, the vehicle veered to the left and overturned into a residential property.

Emergency medical personnel arrived at the scene, but despite life-saving efforts, the passenger in the vehicle was pronounced dead at the scene. 

The driver, identified as Damian D., was uninjured. The identity of the deceased passenger is being withheld pending notification of family members.

The cause of the collision is still under investigation, but CHP officials confirmed that alcohol impairment was a factor.

Eligio-Diaz was booked into Mendocino County Jail on suspicion of gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated and DUI causing bodily injury.

The investigation is ongoing.

What A Lawyer Can Do For You

Many victims put off calling a lawyer even if they sustain injuries after an accident. However, lawyers can help you in many ways. They can provide you with police reports, CCTV footage, and witness statements to strengthen your case. Your attorney will also negotiate with insurance companies to get you fair compensation. The best part is that they will do all of these things for you at no upfront cost. So if you’re injured in an accident, hire a personal injury attorney to recover medical bills, car repair costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering.