Man Dies After Car Leaves SR-70 and Strikes Utility Pole East of Quincy, Prompting Ongoing CHP Investigation

QUINCY, CA — A man died after his vehicle left State Route 70 east of Quincy and slammed into a utility pole on July 23, 2026. The crash happened around 2:58 p.m. near Maddalena Road, according to the California Highway Patrol.

CHP said the driver was traveling westbound when the car went off the roadway. The vehicle then hit two metal paddle markers, a barbed wire fence, a sign, a metal gate post and the utility pole.

Emergency Crews Responded

CHP officers and Eastern Plumas District Paramedics tried to save the driver’s life at the scene. He was pronounced dead where the crash occurred.

No additional injuries were reported in the information released by investigators.

Speed And Cause Unknown

Investigators have not determined how fast the driver was going before the crash. The reason the vehicle left the road also remains under investigation.

Officials have not said whether road conditions, mechanical issues or any other factor played a role.

Death Investigation Ongoing

The Plumas County Sheriff’s Office is handling the death investigation along with CHP’s collision investigation. Authorities have not released the driver’s name.

CHP also reminded motorists to adjust driving to match road conditions, especially on rural highways where hazards can be close to the travel lane.

How To Share Tips

Anyone with information about the crash can contact the CHP Quincy Area Office at 530-283-1100. Investigators are still asking for details that could help them determine what happened before the vehicle left SR-70.

TNSO covers California, Nevada, and Arizona as the story unfolds.