Four Killed in Road 9 and Avenue 21 Crash in Madera County

What happened at Road 9 and Avenue 21?

CHP's preliminary account says a GMC Sierra traveling east on Avenue 21 failed to stop at a stop sign and struck a northbound Honda CR-V. Four of the five people in the Honda died.

ABC30 identified those who died as Pedro Chavez Garcia, 42; his son Pedro Chavez, 13; Gerardo Ramirez Aguilar, 36; and Cayetano Beyza-Mendoza, 52. In a later report, ABC30 said the surviving Honda occupant had been airlifted and remained hospitalized as of September 4. That report does not tell us their condition today.

Where can our family get help with arrangements?

The Madera County Coroner's family guidance explains how a funeral home can help arrange your loved one's release and order death certificates. It also explains how to ask about personal belongings.

You can start by choosing a funeral home and asking which arrangements it can coordinate for you. The Coroner Division does not issue death certificates itself.

If cost is a concern, ask about assistance before agreeing to arrangements. The county's guidance directs families without enough money for burial to Social Services for information about possible county arrangements. Availability depends on the family's circumstances.

What if the injured person's hospital bills are already arriving?

Ask the hospital billing office for a financial assistance application. Help with hospital charges may be available based on income and medical costs, including for some insured patients. California's hospital assistance guidance explains the process.

A family member can help make the call. Ask the hospital what permission it needs to discuss another adult's account. You can say: “We need help understanding these bills. Can someone explain the financial assistance options?”

How does insurance work when several people are hurt?

A policy may limit payments both per person and per accident. With several people affected, the total accident limit matters as well as each person's limit. The California Department of Insurance's guide explains these distinctions.

The news reports do not identify the policies available here. GJEL's car accident lawyers can review the insurance information and explain which questions need answers for the injured person and each affected family.

If you lost someone, our wrongful death guide explains the kinds of questions families bring to us, including funeral costs and the loss of a loved one's financial support. Whether a claim is available depends on the facts and who is legally eligible to bring it.

How do we request the CHP report?

Use CHP's report-request page and identify the crash by September 2, 2026, Road 9 and Avenue 21. Check eligibility and availability with CHP, particularly if you are requesting it for a relative.

You do not need to obtain the report before asking GJEL for a case review. Start with what you know and the questions you need answered.