A 68-year-old Gridley woman was killed Sunday afternoon in a head-on collision on Highway 99. The accident was reported at 1:19 p.m. Sunday afternoon near the northern city limit of Live Oak in Sutter County. According to CHP reports, Myrtle Harmon, 68, was driving a silver 2005 Ford Focus southbound on Hwy 99 at about 55 mph, and Juanita Maldonado, 53, was driving a 2004 Honda Civic northbound on Hwy 99 at speeds between 40 and 45 mph. For unknown reasons, Maldonado drifted off to the right side of the road, overcorrected, and swerved across the center divider line into the path of Harmon's Ford Focus. Harmon reportedly swerved and braked, but was unable to avoid the collision. The Ford Focus spun out onto a dirt shoulder off the westbound side of the road. The Honda flipped into the air and landed on its side.
Harmon died at the scene of the crash. Maldonado and her 11-year-old grandson were taken by ambulance to Rideout Memorial Hospital in Marysville. Maldonado's 15-year-old granddaughter was flown by helicopter to Enloe Medical Center in Chico with serious injuries. According to the CHP, all four people were wearing seat belts. The cause of the crash is under investigation and alcohol was not believed to be a factor in the collision.
Our hearts go out to everyone involved in this crash, especially the family of Myrtle Harmon, as they are grieving her unexpected loss. Our sympathy goes out to everyone who knew and loved her. We hope everyone injured in this accident makes a full recovery.
Based on the reports in the Oroville Mercury-Register, it is not clear why the driver of the Honda lost control of her vehicle. While this accident remains under investigation, the family of Myrtle Harmon may benefit from speaking with a California wrongful death attorney who will help them understand and protect their legal rights following this devastating crash. If reports of this accident are accurate and Myrtle Harmon was not at fault for the Highway 99 accident, her family is entitled to recover compensation for their loss in a wrongful death claim.
Source: Oroville Mercury-Register, Appeal-Democrat
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