One dead, driver arrested on suspicion of DUI after head-on crash on Highway 46

By Staff Report · Mon Jun 08 2026

SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY — One person was killed and another was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence following a head-on collision Sunday morning on Highway 46 east of Green Valley Road, according to the California Highway Patrol (CHP).

The crash occurred at approximately 9:39 a.m. on June 7 in an unincorporated area of San Luis Obispo County.

Investigators said a 2014 Ford Mustang driven by 21-year-old Cambria resident Oscar Pena Estrada was traveling westbound on Highway 46 when, for reasons still under investigation, the vehicle crossed into the eastbound lane and collided head-on with a 2016 Ram 2500 towing a camping trailer.

A passenger in the Mustang, 29-year-old Cesar Pena Estrada of Cambria, suffered fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene.

The driver of the Ram, a man and a woman from Missouri, sustained minor injuries.

Oscar Pena Estrada suffered major injuries and was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence. He was transported to Sierra Vista Regional Medical Center for treatment.

The cause of the crash remains under investigation by the California Highway Patrol's Templeton Area office.