Napa County DUI Suspect Facing Felony Charges After Three Vehicle Collision Kills Three Women On Silverado Trail

Napa County authorities identify three women killed in a DUI related collision on Silverado Trail. The suspect driver remains hospitalized under arrest.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 31, 2026, 3:47 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from ABC7 News

Tragedy on the Silverado Trail

A devastating three vehicle collision claimed the lives of three women on a notorious stretch of Silverado Trail this past Saturday morning. According to the California Highway Patrol, the incident occurred near Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars, a popular destination in Napa County. The Napa County Sheriff’s Office has since identified the deceased as 65 year old Vivian Bertolino and 62 year old Linda Wolters, both residents of American Canyon, along with 65 year old Katrina Clarke of Sacramento. Bertolino and Wolters were traveling in a Mitsubishi, while Clarke was a passenger in a Toyota Prius that bore the brunt of the secondary impact.

Sequence of the Fatal Chain Reaction

The crash began when the driver of a southbound Mitsubishi sideswiped an oncoming BMW SUV, according to CHP Officer Marc Renspurger. This initial contact caused the driver to lose total control of the vehicle, which then veered across the double yellow lines and into the northbound lane. The Mitsubishi subsequently struck the Toyota Prius head-on at a high rate of speed. While the occupants of the BMW avoided serious injury, the six remaining survivors of the other two vehicles were rushed to local hospitals with injuries ranging from moderate to critical.

DUI Arrest and Prior Criminal History

The driver of the Mitsubishi was placed under arrest for driving under the influence while still receiving medical treatment. While formal arraignment is pending his release from the hospital, preliminary background checks conducted at the courthouse reveal a history of driving infractions and narcotics related issues. Previous records for the suspect include charges for possession of a controlled substance, speeding, and operating a vehicle with an open container of alcohol. Officials have noted that the driver is expected to survive his injuries and will face multiple counts of vehicular manslaughter and felony DUI upon his discharge.