By Crash News Writer 
Winters, CA (September 2, 2026) – Authorities have identified the woman who was killed in a wrong-way collision involving an alleged impaired driver early Sunday morning on Interstate 505 near Putah Creek Road.
According to the California Highway Patrol, the fatal crash occurred at approximately 12:40 a.m. on August 30 along southbound Interstate 505 just south of Putah Creek Road. The victim was identified as Riza Retome, 66, of Vacaville.
Investigators reported that Retome was driving a 2026 Nissan Kicks southbound when a 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe traveling the wrong direction in the southbound lanes collided head-on with her vehicle. Authorities said the Tahoe driver had reportedly missed an exit, made a U-turn on the freeway, and mistakenly believed he was traveling on a two-way roadway.
Riza Retome, who was the sole occupant of the Nissan, sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene.
Officials identified the Tahoe driver as Angel Barrera Zapata of Vallejo. Authorities allege he was highly intoxicated at the time of the collision and arrested him on suspicion of driving under the influence. Prosecutors have since filed charges including DUI causing bodily injury and vehicular manslaughter with gross negligence. These charges are allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
Three additional vehicles sustained damage after striking debris from the initial collision. Southbound Interstate 505 remained closed for several hours while investigators processed the scene before reopening later that morning.
Protect Your Rights After a Fatal Accident Today
A fatal wrong-way collision can have devastating consequences for surviving family members, leaving them to cope with emotional loss, financial uncertainty, and complex legal matters. Funeral expenses, lost financial support, insurance claims, and other unexpected costs often arise following a tragic crash. Taking prompt legal action can help preserve evidence and protect your family’s rights while investigators continue determining the circumstances surrounding the collision.
Learning about car accident laws in California can help families understand wrongful death claims, insurance requirements, and the legal remedies that may be available following a fatal collision. An experienced attorney can assist with obtaining crash reports, preserving evidence, reviewing witness statements, and communicating with insurance companies while allowing loved ones to focus on healing.
If you are searching online after a car accident near me, obtaining reliable information as soon as possible is important. Families affected by a car accident near Winters should preserve medical records, photographs, and all documentation related to the incident. Requesting the official car accident report can provide valuable information while investigators continue reviewing the collision.
Many families search for guidance following a car accident near me involving a wrong-way crash. If your loved one was involved in a car accident near Winters, consulting with an attorney before making important legal decisions may help protect your rights. Obtaining the official car accident report is another important step during the investigation.
PLEASE TAKE NOTICE
The information in this article is based on preliminary reports released by investigating authorities and may be updated as additional facts become available. Readers seeking additional guidance can review frequently asked questions in California.
- Authorities identified the deceased as Riza Retome.
- Criminal charges filed in connection with this incident are allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
- Additional investigative findings and court proceedings may be announced as officials continue reviewing the fatal collision.
Families seeking additional support after a fatal crash can review accident resources in California.
The content of this article is provided for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal or medical advice. All information is based on public reports available at the time of publication and may change as investigators release additional details. Readers are encouraged to seek qualified legal counsel if they or someone they know has been involved in a similar incident. The publisher assumes no liability for actions taken or not taken based on this information. Learn more by reading our disclaimer.
If your family has lost a loved one in a fatal wrong-way collision, contact an experienced California personal injury lawyer as soon as possible to discuss your legal rights and available options.