A deadly Highway 299 crash near Whiskeytown Lake has left five people dead and another seriously injured, with authorities continuing to investigate the circumstances of the fiery head-on collision.
The crash happened Saturday night, September 19, 2026, on State Route 299 east of Whiskey Creek Road near Whiskeytown Lake, west of Redding in Shasta County. The California Highway Patrol said the collision involved a Honda Civic and a Toyota Prius.
In the days since the crash, authorities and relatives have begun identifying some of those who died, providing more information about the six people involved.
What Happened on Highway 299?
According to the preliminary CHP investigation, the Honda Civic was traveling westbound on Highway 299 when it crossed the solid double-yellow center lines and entered the eastbound lane.
The Honda then collided head-on with an eastbound Toyota Prius.
The crash occurred shortly after 9 p.m. and resulted in a severe fire involving the vehicles. Emergency crews responded to the scene near the Whiskey Creek Bridge at Whiskeytown Lake.
CHP has not said why the Honda crossed the center lines. Investigators have not publicly established whether speed, impairment, distraction or another factor played a role.
Five People Died in the Crash
Six people were inside the two vehicles when the collision occurred.
CHP reported that all three occupants of the Honda Civic died at the scene. The driver of the Toyota Prius also died at the crash site.
The two Prius passengers were transported to a hospital. One later died from their injuries, while the other survived with major injuries.
The Shasta County Sheriff’s Office-Coroner’s Office subsequently identified two of the victims as Sharlene Anna Black, 52, of Anderson, and Mason David Baker, 19, of Redding.
Whiskeytown Crash at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | State Route 299 near Whiskeytown Lake |
| County | Shasta County, California |
| Date | September 19, 2026 |
| Time | Around 9:10 to 9:41 p.m. |
| Vehicles | Honda Civic and Toyota Prius |
| People involved | 6 |
| Fatalities | 5 |
| Survivor | 1, with major injuries |
| Investigating agency | California Highway Patrol |
| Cause | Under investigation |
Three Victims in Honda Civic Identified
Additional reporting published September 25 provided names for the three people traveling in the Honda Civic.
They were identified by family members as April Star Sylvia Moon, born in 1995, and her two children, Little Eagle Moon, born in 2020, and Hawk Mogli Moon, born in 2021.
Because some of these identifications came through family members rather than an initial CHP public release, they should be distinguished from information formally released by authorities.
The deaths mean that all three occupants of the Honda were killed in the collision.
Sharlene Anna Black and Mason David Baker
Sharlene Anna Black, 52, of Anderson, was driving the Toyota Prius and died at the scene.
Mason David Baker, 19, of Redding, was one of the Prius passengers. He was taken to a hospital following the crash but later died from his injuries. The Shasta County Coroner’s Office confirmed both identities after notifying their families.
The identity of the remaining Prius survivor has also been reported by local media as Charles Casados Black, 19, the son of Sharlene Black. He was reported to be in intensive care in critical but stable condition.
Witnesses Tried to Help
The severity of the crash meant that motorists arriving before emergency crews encountered a difficult scene.
One witness who stopped shortly after the collision told Redheaded Blackbelt that people who had been driving along Highway 299 immediately pulled over and attempted to help those trapped in the wreckage.
According to the witness, several people worked to reach the Prius passengers while emergency responders were on their way. A nurse who stopped at the scene reportedly began performing CPR on one of the injured passengers.
The witness also described flames spreading from the wreckage into nearby vegetation.
Highway 299 Was Closed After the Crash
The collision required a significant emergency response, with firefighters, medical personnel and law enforcement officers working at the scene.
Highway 299 was closed in both directions while responders dealt with the wreckage and investigated the collision.
The crash occurred near Whiskeytown Lake, an area west of Redding that includes the Whiskeytown National Recreation Area and several recreational access points along Highway 299.
Investigation Into the Fatal Collision
CHP continues to investigate the crash.
The preliminary account establishes that the Honda crossed the double-yellow center line before striking the Prius, but investigators have not publicly determined why that happened.
Authorities have not confirmed that alcohol, drugs, excessive speed or another specific factor caused the collision.
Anyone who witnessed the crash or has information that could assist investigators has been asked to contact the CHP Redding Area office at 530-225-0500.
Families Continue to Receive Answers
The identification process has developed gradually because authorities initially withheld the names of the victims while working to notify their relatives.
By September 25, the identities of Sharlene Black and Mason Baker had been formally released by the Shasta County Coroner’s Office, while family members had identified the three people who were traveling in the Honda.
The continuing identification process has provided families and the wider community with more information about the people whose lives were lost.
Whiskeytown Highway 299 Crash Update
The September 19 collision remains under investigation, but authorities have confirmed the central facts: five people died and one person survived with major injuries after a Honda Civic crossed into opposing traffic and collided with a Toyota Prius near Whiskeytown Lake.
As the investigation continues, officials may release additional information about the circumstances leading up to the crash and the identities of the remaining victims.
For now, the tragedy has left five families mourning loved ones and one survivor recovering from serious injuries.
Disclaimer: This article is based on information released by the California Highway Patrol, the Shasta County Coroner’s Office and local reporting available through September 25, 2026. The investigation into the cause and circumstances of the collision remains ongoing. Any additional details should be considered subject to official confirmation.