Brother Mourns Sister Killed in Suspected DUI Crash in Fresno County

Misty's family is now asking for support through a GoFundMe page to help cover funeral and other expenses.

Apr. 7, 2026 at 1:18am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

An extreme close-up photograph of a shattered car windshield fragment, capturing the dramatic texture and lighting to conceptually represent the tragedy of a fatal collision.The aftermath of a suspected DUI crash that claimed the life of a young woman, exposing the human toll of reckless driving.Fresno Today

Max Lynn is mourning the loss of his older sister, Misty, who was killed in a Yokuts Valley crash on March 11. The suspected DUI driver, Zachary Kinberger, crossed the center line and collided head-on with Misty's car, sending it 30 feet down an embankment. Kinberger has a lengthy criminal history with multiple felony assault convictions. Misty's family is devastated and is now seeking community support through a GoFundMe page to help cover funeral and other costs.

Why it matters

This tragic incident highlights the ongoing issue of drunk driving and the devastating impact it can have on families. Despite efforts to curb impaired driving, repeat offenders like Kinberger continue to put innocent lives at risk on the roads. Misty's story underscores the urgent need for stronger enforcement and harsher penalties to deter such reckless behavior and protect the public.

The details

According to the California Highway Patrol, Zachary Kinberger, a 41-year-old man, crossed the center line of Highway 180 and directly into the path of Misty's vehicle. The collision sent Misty's car 30 feet down a nearby embankment, resulting in her death. Court records show that Kinberger has a long criminal history, including multiple felony assault convictions and numerous traffic violations in Fresno County.

  • The crash occurred on March 11, 2026.
  • Misty was on the phone with her brother Max, laughing about something, just moments before the fatal collision.

The players

Misty

Misty was Max Lynn's older sister who was killed in the crash. She had recently moved to California and was engaged to her boyfriend, having turned her life around after struggling with addiction in the past.

Max Lynn

Misty's younger brother, who is now mourning her loss and seeking support for his family through a GoFundMe page.

Zachary Kinberger

The 41-year-old suspected DUI driver who crossed the center line and collided head-on with Misty's vehicle, resulting in her death. Kinberger has a lengthy criminal history in Fresno County, including multiple felony assault convictions.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We were talking on the phone, and we're just laughing about something, stupid things. The last thing she said to me was like, 'I love you more.' And, you know, just being a sweet big sister.”

— Max Lynn, Misty's brother

“My dad, he acts like he's doing fine, but he's having a really hard time, too. Like there's like a light in his eyes that's kind of gone at the moment.”

— Max Lynn, Misty's brother

“She was really fierce and really loyal and really like a firecracker of a girl. She had a lot of spirit for being so short.”

— Max Lynn, Misty's brother

What’s next

The Fresno County Sheriff's Office is continuing its investigation into the crash, and the district attorney's office will determine if charges will be filed against Zachary Kinberger.

The takeaway

This tragic incident underscores the devastating impact of drunk driving and the urgent need for stronger measures to address repeat offenders and protect innocent lives on the roads. Misty's family is now left to grieve her loss and cope with the aftermath, highlighting the rippling effects of such senseless acts.