Fresno Mother and 2-Year-Old Daughter Killed in Crash After Running Stop Sign

A Fresno mother and her 2-year-old daughter tragically died Wednesday morning after their car ran a stop sign and collided with another vehicle at a Fresno County intersection, authorities said.

The crash occurred around 10:15 a.m. at Jefferson and Walnut avenues near Easton, according to the California Highway Patrol (CHP). Samantha Kellogg, 28, was driving a northbound Honda Civic when she failed to stop at the posted stop sign and entered the path of a Chevrolet Tahoe traveling eastbound on Jefferson Avenue, a street without traffic controls.

Both vehicles overturned during the collision. The Tahoe came to rest upright, while the Civic landed on its side.

Victims and Injuries

Kellogg, who was unrestrained, died at the scene. Her 2-year-old daughter, Elena Kellogg, who was unsecured without a child safety seat, was partially ejected from the vehicle. She was transported to Community Regional Medical Center but later succumbed to her injuries, the Fresno County Sheriff-Coroner’s Office confirmed.

The Tahoe’s occupants — a 17-year-old driver and 16-year-old passenger, both wearing seat belts — sustained minor injuries and were treated at the same hospital.

Investigation and Safety Reminder

Investigators do not currently suspect impairment, though toxicology results are pending to rule out drugs or alcohol. CHP Officer Mike Salas urged the community to always use seat belts and proper child safety restraints, noting that local enforcement offers assistance with installation.

Neighbors reported recent deadly crashes in the area, raising concerns about intersection safety and prompting calls for caution among local drivers.