Loved Ones to Host Memorial for Woman Killed in Suspected Fresno County DUI Crash

34-year-old Misty Lynn died at the scene after an oncoming driver crossed the yellow lines and hit her head-on.

Mar. 13, 2026 at 6:19am

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Misty Lynn, a 34-year-old woman, was on her way to work in Dunlap, California when police say an oncoming driver crossed over the yellow lines and hit her head-on, sending her brand-new Kia Soul plummeting 30 feet down the side of the mountain. Misty died at the scene, and the driver of the Tesla has been arrested on suspicion of DUI. Misty's employer, Gena's Sierra Inn, is hosting a celebration of life on Sunday to remember Misty and help her family with funeral expenses.

Why it matters

This tragic incident highlights the ongoing issue of impaired driving and the devastating impact it can have on innocent lives. Misty was a young woman who had recently graduated from a drug addiction recovery program and was looking for a fresh start, making her death all the more heartbreaking. The community is rallying to support Misty's family and honor her memory.

The details

According to the California Highway Patrol, the crash occurred on State Route 180 in Yokuts Valley. Misty was on her way to work at Gena's Sierra Inn, where she had recently been promoted to manager. The driver of the Tesla that hit Misty head-on has been arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence. Gena Marr, the owner of Gena's Sierra Inn, says Misty had just graduated from a drug addiction recovery program and was looking forward to starting a family.

  • The crash occurred on Wednesday, March 12, 2026.
  • Gena's Sierra Inn is hosting a celebration of life for Misty on Sunday, March 16, 2026 from 5 to 7 p.m.

The players

Misty Lynn

A 34-year-old woman who was killed in a suspected DUI crash while on her way to work in Dunlap, California.

Gena Marr

The owner of Gena's Sierra Inn, where Misty worked. Gena took Misty under her wing and was planning to pass the business down to her.

Tesla driver

The driver of the Tesla that crossed the yellow lines and hit Misty head-on. The driver has been arrested on suspicion of DUI.

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What they’re saying

“It's just a quarter mile down the road. She was on her way up here because a lot of the people came in to put all the groceries away, and she just came up to check and make sure that they were all put away right.”

— Gena Marr, Owner, Gena's Sierra Inn (yourcentralvalley.com)

“We believe drugs are a factor, and the driver of the Tesla has been placed under arrest.”

— Sgt. Jarrod Banta, California Highway Patrol (yourcentralvalley.com)

“She was trying to get pregnant. She wanted to have a baby and a family.”

— Gena Marr, Owner, Gena's Sierra Inn (yourcentralvalley.com)

“We wanted to give her a second chance at life. And it just made her so happy that she was going to be the manager. It made us so happy to see her smiling.”

— Gena Marr, Owner, Gena's Sierra Inn (yourcentralvalley.com)

“Misty was a Christian girl; she knew who God was, and I'm very happy about that because I'm going to get to see her again.”

— Gena Marr, Owner, Gena's Sierra Inn (yourcentralvalley.com)

What’s next

The inn is going to host a celebration of life on Sunday from 5 to 7 p.m. They'll have free live country music and opportunities to donate to help Misty's family with the funeral expenses.

The takeaway

This tragic incident serves as a sobering reminder of the devastating consequences of impaired driving and the importance of community support in the face of such heartbreak. Misty's story highlights the fragility of life and the need for continued efforts to prevent drunk and drugged driving.