Marysville, California – Tragic Head-On Collision Claims Three Lives, Leaves Three Severely Injured
A devastating collision on Saturday afternoon has left the city of Marysville mourning the loss of three individuals and praying for the recovery of three others after a violent head-on crash on Highway 70 near 24th Street. The crash occurred at approximately 2:45 p.m., shutting down both directions of the highway for several hours and triggering a full-scale response from emergency personnel.
According to the Marysville Police Department, two vehicles were involved in the crash—one carrying five occupants, and the other driven by a single individual. The collision was described as catastrophic, with emergency crews arriving to find wreckage scattered across both lanes and victims in dire need of medical attention.
Victims Identified
The Yuba County Sheriff’s Office has since identified the three individuals who tragically lost their lives in the crash:
- Clint Waddell, 22 years old
- Salma Ramirez-Lujano, 22 years old
- Michael Mallison, 17 years old
All three victims were in the same vehicle, though authorities have not yet confirmed whether any were related. The young ages of the deceased have deeply shaken the community, where tributes are pouring in for lives lost too soon.
Waddell, described by friends as a kind-hearted and adventurous spirit, was known for his passion for cars and music. Ramirez-Lujano was a recent college student with aspirations to work in the healthcare field. Mallison, the youngest of the three, was a high school student with a bright future ahead of him.
Three Others Severely Injured
Three additional individuals sustained serious injuries in the crash, with one requiring air evacuation to a nearby trauma center. Among the injured is a minor, though their condition and identity have not been made public.
Officials say all injured victims remain hospitalized, and their conditions range from critical to stable. Family members have been notified, and a team of victim support counselors has been dispatched to assist those affected by the tragedy.
Crash Investigation Underway
The Marysville Police Department, with assistance from the Yuba County Sheriff’s Office, is actively investigating the circumstances that led to the deadly collision. While a definitive cause has not yet been released, investigators have cited speed as a likely contributing factor.
Officers are now working to determine whether reckless driving, impairment, or distraction may have played a role. The vehicles involved are being examined by crash reconstruction experts, and surveillance footage from nearby traffic cameras is being reviewed.
“This is a heartbreaking incident that has left multiple families devastated,” a police spokesperson said. “We are working diligently to uncover every detail and provide answers to those mourning their loved ones.”
Highway Closure and Emergency Response
Following the crash, Highway 70 was closed in both directions for several hours as emergency responders, including firefighters, paramedics, airlift teams, and investigators, worked the scene. Debris cleanup and crash scene reconstruction required significant time, and traffic was diverted through alternate routes, causing major delays.
Eyewitnesses described the scene as chaotic, with several good Samaritans stopping to help before first responders arrived. A nearby resident said they heard a loud crash and rushed outside to see the mangled wreckage.
Community Reaction and Grief
The Marysville community is reeling from the shock of the tragedy. Friends, classmates, and loved ones of the victims have begun organizing vigils and online fundraisers to support the families affected by the crash. A memorial has also been created near the crash site with flowers, candles, and heartfelt messages.
“This tragedy has left an emptiness that words can’t describe,” said a friend of Salma Ramirez-Lujano. “She was sunshine. Always smiling, always caring.”
The school district where 17-year-old Michael Mallison attended has issued a statement expressing sorrow and offering grief counselors to students and staff.
A Call for Road Safety Awareness
In the wake of the crash, law enforcement officials are urging the public to exercise greater caution on the roadways. Speed, distracted driving, and impatience remain among the leading causes of traffic fatalities in California and across the country.
“We urge all drivers—especially young ones—to take this as a sobering reminder of how quickly lives can change,” said a Marysville police official. “Please slow down, wear your seatbelt, and pay attention to the road.”
Moving Forward
As the investigation continues and families prepare to lay their loved ones to rest, the community of Marysville is rallying together to support one another in this time of grief.
Funeral arrangements for Clint Waddell, Salma Ramirez-Lujano, and Michael Mallison are expected to be announced in the coming days.
Anyone who may have witnessed the crash or has relevant information is urged to contact the Marysville Police Department as they continue their investigation into one of the region’s most tragic accidents in recent memory.
