Two Killed in Suspected DUI Crash on Highway 41

By: Sierra News Posted On: May 29, 2025 View: 6

COARSEGOLD — A tragic head-on collision on Highway 41 near Van Teri Road claimed the lives of two Coarsegold residents on Tuesday afternoon, May 27, 2025. The incident, involving a suspected DUI driver, has left the community in mourning.

Driver Loses Control

According to the California Highway Patrol (CHP), the crash happened around 4:00 p.m. when 42-year-old Felipe Angel Ramirez, driving a white Chevy utility truck northbound at high speed, lost control on a curve. The truck clipped a black SUV driven by a 17-year-old girl, who managed to swerve and avoid a direct hit. The truck then slammed head-on into a Ford Bronco traveling behind the SUV, sending both vehicles into a nearby ravine.

The occupants of the Bronco — 78-year-old Kirk McCarty and 76-year-old Valeria McCarty — were pronounced dead at the scene. Ramirez was airlifted to Community Regional Medical Center in Fresno and is expected to survive. Authorities say he will face DUI charges.

Emergency crews work the scene of a fatal DUI crash that left two Coarsegold residents dead and another injured. (Click to Enlarge)

Witnesses Act, Teen Survives

According to ABC30, Travis Miller, an auto shop owner, saw the truck driving erratically and attempted to follow Ramirez in order to get him to stop.

“I saw him swerve and overcorrect off the road,” Miller said. “As I was pulling out, he went off the road again and almost lost it into oncoming traffic.”

Miller followed the truck and tried to get the driver to stop, but Ramirez continued driving.

The 17-year-old SUV driver escaped injury, but the crash destroyed her vehicle. Her stepfather, a local tow truck operator, said he often responds to these types of incidents — never expecting one to involve his own family.

CHP officers closed Highway 41 for several hours to investigate the scene. They analyzed skid marks, debris, and vehicle positions as part of the ongoing scene.

Officials are urging drivers to stay alert and never drive under the influence.

The community mourns the loss of the McCartys and hopes for the recovery of those affected.