Darrion Thompson Obituary, Death; – The Elk Grove man killed in a wrong-way crash early Monday morning on Highway 99 has been identified.
According to the Merced County Coroner’s Office, he was identified as Darrion Thompson, 21, of Elk Grove. According to the California Highway Patrol, the Merced Communication Center was called just after 2 a.m. Monday for a head-on crash on Highway 99, south of Hammatt Avenue.
CHP says Thompson was driving a 2020 Chevrolet Malibu the wrong-way on southbound Highway 99. He collided with the front of a 2020 Toyota Camry then crashed into the trailer of big rig, officials said.
Thompson was pronounced dead at the scene, and his four passengers ranging in age from 19 to 21 were taken to the hospital for their injuries, according to the CHP. The driver of the Camry and big rig driver were reportedly not injured. The cause of the crash is under investigation, and officers said it is unknown if Thompson was under the influence at the time.
Anyone who witnessed the crash or has information about it can call Officer Jaytrin Bounlangsly at 209-356-6600, according to law enforcement.
