Tragic DUI Crash Kills 1 Sonoma County Teen, Injures 4 Others

The 17-year-old driver was determined to be under the influence of alcohol, police said.

Apr. 12, 2026 at 9:27pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a shattered car windshield or other damaged vehicle component, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash against a pitch-black background, conceptually illustrating the devastating impact of drunk driving.The aftermath of a tragic DUI crash that claimed the life of one Sonoma County teenager and left four others critically injured.Novato Today

A single-vehicle crash in Novato, California early Saturday morning left one 16-18 year old teen dead and four others in serious or critical condition. The 17-year-old driver was determined to be under the influence of alcohol at the time of the incident.

Why it matters

This tragic crash highlights the ongoing issue of underage drinking and driving, which continues to put young lives at risk in communities across the country. It also underscores the need for greater education, enforcement, and support services to address substance abuse among teenagers.

The details

According to police, emergency responders received multiple 911 calls around 1 a.m. on Saturday about a crash at the intersection of San Marin Drive and Simmons Lane in Novato. Five teenagers, ages 16-18, were transported to the hospital, where one passenger was declared dead. The other four teens remain in serious or critical condition, including the 17-year-old driver who was found to be under the influence of alcohol.

  • The incident occurred around 1 a.m. on Saturday, April 12, 2026.
  • Eastbound San Marin Drive was closed for several hours while police investigated the crash.

The players

El Camino High School

One of the schools attended by four of the teenagers involved in the crash.

Rancho Cotate High School

One of the schools attended by four of the teenagers involved in the crash.

Cotati-Rohnert Park Unified School District

The school district that previously enrolled the fifth teenager involved in the crash.

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What’s next

Police are asking anyone who witnessed the incident to contact them at 415-897-4361.

The takeaway

This tragic crash serves as a sobering reminder of the devastating consequences of underage drinking and driving. It underscores the urgent need for greater education, enforcement, and support services to address substance abuse issues among teenagers and prevent such senseless loss of life.