William Ainsworth Killed in Big Rig Accident on Highway 152 [Merced County, CA]

Coroner Identifies Passenger Killed in Big Rig Crash on Highway 152 at Palm Avenue

 
MERCED COUNTY, CA (October 5, 2021) – William Ainsworth died in a big rig accident in Merced County Friday, October 1.
 
The accident happened around 8:38 p.m. on Highway 152 and Palm Avenue. Authorities said 51-year-old Pedro Rambia of Avenal was driving a 2018 Kenworth two-axle big rig pulling a set of doubles loaded with tomatoes. He was traveling south on Palm Avenue when he attempted to cross the eastbound Highway 152.
 
At the same time, 38-year-old W. Ainsworth Jr. of Visalia was driving a 2021 Toyota Camry east on the highway with two passengers at an unknown speed. As he approached the big rig, he braked and turned left in an attempt to avoid the vehicle. But the Toyota collided with the middle of the number two trailer and became lodged beneath it.
 
As a result, the elder Ainsworth, who was in the right front passenger seat, died at the scene. He was a 64-year-old Dos Palos resident, according to the Merced County Sheriff Coroner’s Office.
 
Ainsworth Jr. suffered major injuries, while the right rear passenger, 57-year-old Joseph Molina of Visalia, had minor injuries. Paramedics took both of them to Memorial Hospital in Modesto for treatment.
 
Meanwhile, Rambia was unhurt.
 
CHP said neither drugs nor alcohol appear to be a factor in the crash, which remains under investigation.

We send our sincere condolences to the family and friends of William Ainsworth.

At The Law Offices of Daniel Kim, we work hard to help families of wrongful death victims get what they deserve. Did you lose a loved one in a big rig accident? Our legal team will help you file a case and guide you throughout the process. For a free consultation, please call us at (800) 895-7199. You can also request a copy of the police report from your loved one’s accident.