Update: Helmut Stich, Karen Stich Killed in Head-On Crash on Highway 46 near Cholame Y in Templeton

Helmut Stich, Karen Stich Dies After Templeton Car Accident on Highway 46 near Cholame Y

Helmut Stich, Karen Stich Sustains Fatal Injuries After Vehicle Collision on Highway 46 near Cholame Y

Templeton, California – The California Highway Patrol has identified 83-year-old Helmut Stich and 72-year-old Karen Stich as the person killed in a head-on accident last week in Templeton.

The deadly collision occurred a while after midnight on July 23 on Highway 46 near Cholame Y.

Police said Karen and Helmut were heading East in a 2020 Hyundai when Helmut, the Hyundai driver, attempted to pass a tractor-trailer and collided head-on into an approaching 2005 Ford F-350.

The couple was declared dead at the crash site.

The tractor driver, Grant McKenzie, of San Diego sustained severe injuries and was rushed to Adventist Health Sierra Vista Hospital in San Luis Obispo.

Police did not suspect alcohol or drugs to have contributed to the collision.

No additional information concerning this crash was provided.

The incident remains under investigation.