Driver strikes, kills woman visiting Sonoma

Another woman critically injured in downtown incident

Published on Feb. 22, 2026

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A driver struck two pedestrians in downtown Sonoma on Tuesday evening, killing one of them, a 73-year-old woman visiting from out of state. The other woman, 74, was critically injured and transported to a trauma hospital.

Why it matters

Pedestrian safety is an ongoing concern in many California cities, especially in tourist-heavy areas like downtown Sonoma. This incident highlights the need for increased traffic calming measures and driver awareness to protect vulnerable road users.

The details

According to police, the driver was traveling northbound on the 600 block of Broadway when they struck the two women just before 7 p.m. Emergency responders performed life-saving measures on the 73-year-old woman, but she died from her injuries at the scene. The 74-year-old woman was transported to a trauma hospital in critical but stable condition. The driver remained on the scene and cooperated with investigators, who determined that alcohol or drugs did not appear to be a factor.

  • The incident occurred just before 7 p.m. on Tuesday, February 18, 2026.
  • Broadway was closed for about four hours while officers investigated the scene and reopened at midnight on Wednesday, February 19, 2026.

The players

Sonoma Police Department

The local law enforcement agency investigating the incident.

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What’s next

The Sonoma Police Department is continuing its investigation into the incident.

The takeaway

This tragic event underscores the importance of prioritizing pedestrian safety in California's urban centers, particularly in areas frequented by tourists. City planners and transportation officials must work to implement robust safety measures and raise driver awareness to prevent such devastating accidents in the future.