Chico, CA (February 24, 2025) – Stephanie Zeisloft, 52, of Smartsville, lost her life in a suspected DUI wrong-way crash on Highway 99 Sunday evening, according to the Butte County Sheriff’s Office.
The California Highway Patrol (CHP) reported that the collision occurred around 8 p.m. on northbound Highway 99 near Garden Brook Drive. CHP officers had been alerted to a tan SUV traveling southbound in the northbound lanes just moments before the fatal head-on collision.
When officers arrived, they found that a Lexus sedan, which had been going the wrong way, had crashed into a Kia Forte. Zeisloft, the driver of the Kia, sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene.
The wrong-way driver, identified only as a 32-year-old Dos Palos man, was taken to Enloe Medical Center with unspecified injuries. Investigators suspect that alcohol may have played a role in the accident. The CHP is continuing to investigate.
We extend our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Stephanie Zeisloft during this difficult time.
Wrong-Way Accidents and DUI Crashes in California
Wrong-way crashes are among the most devastating types of car accidents due to their high-speed impact and unexpected nature. Unfortunately, many of these incidents involve impaired drivers who lose control and enter opposing lanes of traffic, as seen in the tragic Highway 99 crash in Chico.
DUI-related collisions remain a major concern in California. Despite strict penalties and public awareness campaigns, intoxicated driving continues to cause serious injuries and fatalities. Wrong-way drivers, in particular, put everyone on the road at risk, often leaving victims with little to no time to react.
Families who lose loved ones in DUI-related accidents may be able to seek justice through wrongful death claims, helping to cover funeral expenses, lost income, and emotional suffering. While legal action cannot bring back a loved one, it can provide financial relief and hold negligent drivers accountable.
If you or someone you love has been affected by a DUI crash, knowing your legal rights is crucial. At Local Accident Reports, we are committed to providing support and resources for victims and their families. Contact us today to explore your options for justice and financial recovery.