On June 7, 2026, at approximately 1:40 a.m., officers from the Santa Maria Police Department responded to a single-vehicle traffic collision at the intersection of Broadway and Miller Street.
Upon arrival, officers located a vehicle that had collided with a traffic signal. Tragically, five occupants sustained fatal injuries as a result of the collision. A sixth occupant survived the collision and was transported to a local hospital, where he remains in critical condition.
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 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.
Additional information will be released as it becomes available and as the investigation permits.
