On Sunday, August 3, 2025, at approximately 7:47 P.M., the California Highway Patrol’s (CHP) Ventura Communications Center received a call of a two-vehicle crash on State Route 126, east of Fillmore.

Upon arrival, CHP units and emergency personnel found an unresponsive 71-year-old male trapped within the driver seat of a 2010 Volkswagen Passat. There was also a 53-year-old male with major injuries trapped within the driver seat of a 2019 Honda Odyssey.

The initial investigation determined the 53-year-old male from Ventura was driving the Honda westbound on State Route 126, east of Fillmore, at approximately 60 MPH.

For unknown reasons, the driver allowed the Honda to travel into eastbound lanes directly into the path of the oncoming Volkswagen, where they crashed head-on. The driver of the Volkswagen received fatal injuries as a result of this crash. The driver of the Honda was transported to Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital by ambulance with major injuries.

No arrests were made, and the involvement of alcohol/drugs is still unknown.

This incident resulted in the closure of the eastbound lanes of State Route 126 for approximately 45 minutes while CHP officers conducted the on-scene investigation. At approximately 8:30 P.M., the eastbound lanes were diverted through the center median. The Ventura County Fire Department, American Medical Response (AMR), Ventura County Sheriff’s Office, and CalTrans responded to the scene to assist with the extrication, medical care and scene safety. The Ventura County Medical Examiner’s Office also responded to the scene.

For additional information regarding the deceased, please contact the Ventura County Medical Examiner’s Office at (805) 641-4400.

The crash is being investigated by the CHP’s Moorpark area office. Any potential witnesses who have not already given their statements to an investigating officer or have potential dash camera footage of this crash are encouraged to contact the CHP’s Moorpark office at (805) 553-0800.