A two-vehicle accident in between Escalon and Oakdale just after midnight Sunday, April 23 resulted in the death of one driver and left the other with minor injuries.

Escalon Fire Department, Modesto Fire Department, CHP and ambulance personnel all responded to the scene, at the intersection of Highway 120 and Victory Avenue, just before 12:15 a.m. Sunday.

The collision occurred near the San Joaquin-Stanislaus County line, prompting a response from emergency personnel from both counties.

According to the CHP report, a man identified as Brian Ramirez, 20, of Stockton, was driving a 2020 Chevrolet Blazer northbound on Victory Avenue approaching Highway 120 at an unknown rate of speed. The second driver, a 26-year-old man from Manteca, was westbound on the highway in a 2014 Chevrolet Malibu, approaching Victory Avenue at about 55 to 60 mph. Ramirez, who was not wearing safety equipment, failed to stop for a posted stop sign on Victory and entered the intersection, where the front of the westbound vehicle on the highway struck the right side of his vehicle. Ramirez’s vehicle overturned, noted the CHP report, continued in a northwesterly direction, and entered the irrigation district canal just west of Victory. Ramirez and his vehicle were submerged in the canal, said authorities.

The Lathrop-Manteca Fire District Dive, Rescue and Recovery team was requested at the scene, as neither Escalon nor Modesto fire crews could retrieve the vehicle.

Ramirez – whose name was released Monday through the San Joaquin County Coroner’s Office – was pronounced deceased at the scene by paramedics. The 26-year-old driver – who was wearing safety restraints – was transported to Memorial Hospital in Modesto with minor injuries.

CHP officials said it is unknown whether drugs or alcohol were contributing factors in the crash. Anyone with information is encouraged to call the CHP Stockton office at 209-938-4800.