1 killed in crash

A 63-year-old man from Groveland was killed after being struck in a head-on traffic collision on Avenue 15, just east of Santa Fe Drive, according to the California Highway Patrol. His name is not being released pending notification of next of kin.

Gerardo Jayme, 20, of Madera was westbound on Avenue 15 about 5:30 pm Thursday when he reportedly allowed his 2010 Chrysler 300 sedan move into oncoming traffic, striking a 2016 Ford Transit van head on at highway speed, killing the other man behind the wheel. Jayme sustained major injuries in the crash and was taken to Community Regional Medical Center.

Other motorists saw the head on collision happen and stopped, and attempted to help the seriously injured and pinned in drivers.

Officers said it was unknown why Jayme allowed his car to drift into oncoming traffic. Weather conditions were clear and visibility was good at the time of the crash. Neither alcohol nor drugs were found at the scene. Toxicology reports are pending.

Distracted driving, speed and other factors remain under investigation in the fatal crash. Jayme could also face felony charges of gross vehicular homicide in the collision.

Avenue 15 was closed for approximately one hour as emergency crews worked to investigate the scene and clear the roadway.