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California CHP Identifies Wrong-Way 2019 BMW Driver

8/22/2026

38 9 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

California Highway Patrol identified Jamie Rodriguez as the driver of the wrong-way 2019 BMW 530i.
The crash killed Vanessa Sue Wetmore, 41, and daughters Kylie, 20, and Kloie, 16.
Rodriguez suffered major injuries and was hospitalized.
The collision occurred at 12:44 a.m. on August 16, 2026, on southbound Highway 99 near Bakersfield.
A GoFundMe campaign was launched to cover funeral costs for the Wetmore family.

History

Historical Context

Sweden’s parliament approved Vision Zero in October 1997, aiming for zero road deaths by 2020; deaths fell from 541 in 1997 to 471 in 2007, a 13% drop. U.S. cities began adopting Vision Zero after 2014, but the August 2026 wrong-way crash on Highway 99, identified by the California Highway Patrol, has revived calls for stricter enforcement and broader Vision Zero policies nationwide.

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Story summary

California Highway Patrol identified Jamie Rodriguez as the driver of the wrong-way 2019 BMW 530i.
The crash killed Vanessa Sue Wetmore, 41, and daughters Kylie, 20, and Kloie, 16.
Rodriguez suffered major injuries and was hospitalized.
The collision occurred at 12:44 a.m. on August 16, 2026, on southbound Highway 99 near Bakersfield.
A GoFundMe campaign was launched to cover funeral costs for the Wetmore family.

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