2 killed in DUI crash Monday morning in Fresno identified

FRESNO, Calif. (FOX26) — Two people died and a third was hurt when the driver failed to make a curve in the road and overturned early Monday morning.

It happened around 1:45 a.m. on Copper Avenue just east of Willow Avenue.

The men were identified as 24-year-old Jason Phillips and 32-year-old Chase McCutcheon, both from Fresno.

FOX26 News interviewed Phillips in 2020 when he was involved in a scuffle with Fresno City Councilman Miguel Arias.

[RELATED] Driver arrested for DUI following crash in Madera

CHP says Jason Phillips, who is believed to have been driving a Tesla Model 3 westbound on Copper was traveling at a high rate of speed and failed to negotiate the roadway which veers slightly to the right.

The Tesla struck a raised concrete curb, guardrail, and street sign causing the Tesla to overturn.

The Tesla continued out of control and struck another concrete curb and guardrail.

The driver and another man in the right front passenger, who were not using seatbelts, were ejected from the vehicle.

A 37-year-old Fresno man in the back seat, who was wearing a seatbelt, suffered moderate injuries.

He was taken to CRMC for treatment.

Both men who were ejected from the Tesla were pronounced dead at the scene.

Driving under the influence of alcohol appears to be a factor in this crash following St. Patrick’s Day celebrations.