Highland, CA – On the morning of Wednesday, January 21, 2026, a fatal incident occurred along northbound Interstate 280 near the Bunker Hill Drive off-ramp, according to CHP Fatal.
The incident was reported shortly before 9:00 AM near the Doran Bridge area. Initial information indicated multiple vehicles stopped on the right-hand shoulder, including a gray sedan and a black BMW sedan, after one or more vehicles appeared to have struck or come to rest near the roadway barrier.
Witnesses reported seeing an individual exit a vehicle on the shoulder and approach the bridge railing before disappearing from view. Additional reports described a person being seen jumping from the bridge. These witness accounts prompted an immediate multi-agency response.
CHP requested assistance from the San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office, local police departments, and fire personnel. A search effort was initiated that included ground units, a canine team, and aerial support, including a drone deployed by the fire department to assist with checking areas beneath the bridge.
As part of standard freeway safety procedures, CHP requested a SigAlert, and at least one northbound lane of Interstate 280 was closed to protect emergency responders and preserve the scene. Traffic management agencies were notified, and vehicles associated with the incident were scheduled for evidence tows.
According to the incident log, a person was pronounced deceased at approximately 9:30 AM by a fire department firefighter-paramedic at the scene. The San Mateo County Coroner’s Office responded and assumed responsibility for the investigation.
Authorities have not released the identity of the deceased or additional details regarding the circumstances leading up to the incident. The case remains under investigation, and further information is expected following completion of the coroner’s examination and CHP’s report.
Wrongful Death Claims & Comparative Negligence
Determining fault in a collision can involve multiple factors, and under California’s Comparative Negligence rule, several parties can share partial responsibility.
Should someone else be found even partly responsible for the death, the family may be able to file a Wrongful Death claim against the at-fault driver’s insurance. This can provide compensation to help cover medical bills, funeral expenses, and the loss of income to support the family of the deceased.
