43-Year-Old Man Arrested after Fatal Head-On Collision near Avenue 430 

TULARE COUNTY, CA (December 5, 2023) – Sunday evening Gloria Barajas and Brenda Quinonez were killed in a DUI crash on Road 56.

Around 6:00 p.m., officers responded to the scene near Avenue 430 in the vicinity of Reedley.

Per reports, the driver of a Ford pickup-truck was heading south and veered into oncoming lanes. The Ford then crashed head-on into a northbound Nissan Rogue SUV.

Medics later pronounced two occupants inside the Nissan dead at the scene. Officials later identified the deceased victims as 55-year-old Barajas and 35-year-old Quinonez. 

Meanwhile, their two family members were rushed to Community Regional Medical Center. 

Paramedics also arrested the 43-year-old Ford driver, Blake Benham, of Dinuba for felony DUI and vehicular manslaughter. 

Our warm and sincerest sympathies go out to the friends and families of Gloria Barajas and Brenda Quinonez. May you find comfort and strength during this time.

Losing a loved one in a car crash can come with a heavy burden. Do not settle for the circumstances that come from someone’s negligence. Turn to the qualified and determined wrongful death attorneys at Sweet James. We can help you find justice for the one you have lost. We have the resources, experience, and staff to successfully fight for you in court. Call us at 1-844-363-7713 to know more about how we can help you. Need help after hours? You can reach us 24 hours a day and 7 days a week through email, text, and online chat.