Fatal Crash in Merced County Claims Life of Burlingame Man, Christopher Delgado
MERCED COUNTY, CA — A tragic crash in Merced County has claimed the life of Christopher Delgado, a 35-year-old resident of Burlingame, California, following a violent collision between a pickup truck and a semi-truck on Friday evening, June 27, 2025.
The California Highway Patrol (CHP) responded to the scene around 8:11 p.m., after the Merced Communications Center (MCC) received reports of a serious traffic collision near the intersection of State Route 59 and Sandy Mush Road. Upon arrival, officers discovered that a 2016 Chevrolet Silverado, driven by Rafael Morales Contreras, 29, of San Mateo, had been struck on the passenger side by a 2024 Freightliner semi-truck operated by Miguel Angel Ramirez, 59, of Winton.
Emergency crews worked swiftly to extricate both occupants from the mangled Silverado. Sadly, Christopher Delgado, who was riding in the front passenger seat, was pronounced dead at the scene due to the severe injuries he sustained in the impact.
According to the CHP’s preliminary investigation, the crash occurred when Mr. Morales Contreras was traveling eastbound on Sandy Mush Road and failed to stop at a posted stop sign at the intersection with SR-59. As the pickup entered the intersection, it was struck on the passenger side by Ramirez’s northbound semi-truck, which was traveling at approximately 55 mph.
Both Mr. Morales Contreras and Mr. Ramirez suffered moderate injuries and were transported to local hospitals for treatment. Authorities have confirmed that alcohol and drugs are not immediately suspected, though the crash remains under active investigation.
The CHP urges anyone with additional information to contact Investigating Officer Gabriel Partida at (209) 356-6600. For media inquiries, please reach out to Public Information Officer Eric C. Zuniga at (209) 356-6608.
As family and friends mourn the loss of Christopher Delgado, the Merced County community is reminded of the importance of vigilance and caution at intersections. His untimely death has left loved ones heartbroken and a community grappling with yet another preventable tragedy.
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