The Kern County Coroner’s Office has identified the teenager who died in a crash on Highway 46 as 18-year-old man Alexis Zamora.
According to the California Highway Patrol, the collision occurred around 1:16 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 17, 2026, on Highway 46 west of Smith Avenue. Officers responded to reports of a two-vehicle crash at the location.
CHP said a preliminary investigation determined that Zamora was driving a 2003 Toyota Camry eastbound on Highway 46, while a 60-year-old man was traveling westbound in a 2006 Chevrolet Silverado. For reasons still under investigation, the Toyota crossed into the westbound lane and entered the path of the oncoming Chevrolet.
Authorities said the driver of the Silverado attempted to steer to the right to avoid the collision, but the front of the Toyota struck the front of the Chevrolet in the westbound lane.
Emergency medical crews arrived at the scene and pronounced the driver of the Toyota dead. He was later confirmed to be Alexis Zamora.
The driver of the Chevrolet and a female passenger suffered moderate to serious injuries and were transported to a Bakersfield hospital for treatment.
CHP stated that alcohol or drugs do not appear to have played a role in the crash.