Joel Nunez-Vargas and Efrain Plascencia Killed in Horrific Crash on Highway 101 [Monterey County, CA]

Monterey County, CA (October 14, 2025) — 46-year-old Joel Nunez-Vargas of Yuma, and 41-year-old Efrain Plascencia of Salinas died after a horrific three-vehicle crash on Highway 101.

According to the California Highway Patrol (CHP), the deadly collision happened around 6:49 p.m. near the Chualar River Road overcrossing.

Reports say that the three-vehicle crash involved a wrong-way driver.

Authorities say that Plascencia drove a white Kia SUV north in the southbound lanes. The SUV, carrying three passengers, collided head-on with a black Honda sedan driven by Nunez-Vargas.

The impact triggered a secondary collision with a white Toyota sedan driven by a 29-year-old Salinas resident, who was traveling southbound in the correct direction.

Plascencia and Nunez-Vargas both died at the scene, while the Kia’s passengers sustained injuries ranging from minor to major and were taken to a nearby hospital.

Authorities have not yet determined if alcohol played a role in the crash. The CHP continues to investigate the incident.

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The team at Sweet Lawyers extends heartfelt condolences to the families of Efrain Plascencia and Joel Nunez-Vargas. May their loved ones find peace and strength during this difficult time.

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