Five Dead, One Critical After High-Speed Crash in Santa Maria; Three Victims Were Local High School Students

Update: The Santa Maria Police Department has released the names of the victims.

The deceased victims have been identified as:

• Isabella Star Vigil, 16 years old
• Nicolas Munoz-Gautreaux, 17 years old
• Jennifer Gutierrez, 19 years old
• Guendi Beatrice Gamez Escalante, 16 years old
• Yusbeli Diaz Galvez, 17 years old

The surviving occupant has been identified as Aurelio Calixtro Matias, 24 years old. He remains hospitalized in critical condition.

“This collision is a devastating tragedy that has deeply impacted the families of those involved and the Santa Maria community as a whole. The loss of so many young lives is difficult to comprehend, and our hearts go out to the victims’ families, friends, classmates, loved ones, and all those affected by this heartbreaking event. During this incredibly difficult time, the Santa Maria Police Department joins the community in mourning this tremendous loss and extends its sincere condolences to everyone impacted,” the Santa Maria Police Department stated.

The cause of the collision remains under investigation by the Santa Maria Police Department Traffic Unit. Investigators continue to gather evidence and examine all circumstances surrounding the incident.

Anyone who witnessed the collision or has information that may assist investigators is encouraged to contact the Santa Maria Police Department Traffic Unit at (805) 928-3781, extension 1139.

Five young people are dead and a sixth remains in critical condition following a high-speed single-vehicle crash early Saturday morning, with officials confirming three of the victims were students at Santa Maria high schools.

The crash occurred on June 7, 2026, at approximately 1:40 a.m. at the intersection of South Broadway (State Route 135) and Miller Street, just north of Waller Park, according to the Santa Maria Police Department.

Preliminary investigation revealed that a single vehicle collided with a traffic signal pole. Four occupants of the vehicle were pronounced deceased at the scene. Two additional occupants were transported to Marian Regional Medical Center for treatment, where one later succumbed to their injuries. The remaining occupant remains hospitalized in critical condition.

Kenny Klein, public information officer for the Santa Maria Joint Union High School District, confirmed the tragic connection to local schools.

“It is with a heavy heart that I can confirm three of the six young people involved in the early Sunday multi-fatal crash were SMJUHSD students,” Klein said. “One attended PVHS (Pioneer Valley), another attended SMHS (Santa Maria High School) and the third was enrolled in a Delta High School program but previously attended PVHS.”

Klein noted that none of those involved in the crash were scheduled to graduate during commencement ceremonies taking place Wednesday and Thursday this week.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with their families, friends, and school communities. Counseling services will remain available throughout the week. Please respect the privacy of everyone related to this horrible incident,” Klein said.

Investigators are actively working to determine the cause of the collision. Preliminary evidence located at the scene suggests alcohol may have been a contributing factor; however, the investigation remains ongoing and no final determination has been made at this time, according to police.

Officers have also received information indicating the vehicle may have been traveling at a high rate of speed prior to the collision. Investigators are working to verify that information as part of the ongoing investigation.

The identities of the deceased are being withheld pending notification of next of kin.

Due to the severity of the collision, both northbound and southbound lanes of South Broadway (State Route 135) were closed for several hours while officers conducted their investigation.

Anyone who witnessed the collision or has information related to this investigation is encouraged to contact the Santa Maria Police Department Traffic Unit at (805) 928-3781.