Bentley Schmitz Dies in Solo-Car Crash on El Pomar Drive [San Luis Obispo County, CA]

San Luis Obispo County, CA (September 16, 2026) — 15-year-old Paso Robles High School student Bentley Schmitz died Sunday night after a single-vehicle crash in an unincorporated area near Templeton, according to the California Highway Patrol.

CHP said 18-year-old Paso Robles resident Jonathan Sanchez was driving a white 2007 Toyota Camry westbound on El Pomar Drive, west of Vaquero Road, shortly before 10 p.m. The vehicle left the roadway and struck a tree for reasons still under investigation.

Schmitz, the 15-year-old passenger, was pronounced dead at the scene. Sanchez and another 15-year-old passenger, both from Paso Robles, suffered injuries and were taken to Adventist Health Sierra Vista in San Luis Obispo for treatment.

CHP said investigators did not suspect drugs or alcohol played a role in the crash. The agency’s Templeton office continues to investigate.

Paso Robles High School offered support to students and staff following Bentley’s death, with counseling and crisis resources available on campus. School officials also asked the community to respect the family’s privacy as they grieve.

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Sweet Lawyers extends our deepest condolences and sympathies to Bentley Schmitz’s family, friends, classmates, and teachers. Our hearts are with you through these trying times.

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