– A Fresno woman died Thursday morning in a two-vehicle crash near Fowler, California Highway Patrol officials reported Thursday evening. 

Karen Ward, 68, was a passenger in a vehicle driven by her husband, Douglas Ward, 71, at about 8:30 a.m. Thursday, authorities said. Douglas Ward then allegedly failed to yield and drove through a stop sign at American Avenue.

The Wards’ vehicle struck a semi-tractor trailer that was heading west on American Avenue. The truck’s driver, Justo Cantu Jr. 45, of Del Ray, attempted to turn to avoid the collision, but was unsuccessful, authorities said.

The California Highway Patrol said Karen Ward died from injuries sustained in the wreck. Douglas Ward also suffered serious injuries and was transported to Community Regional Medical Center in Fresno, authorities said.

Cantu was not injured in the crash and he had the right away, officers reported. However, he did not have the proper license to drive a commercial vehicle. No citations were issued, but patrol officials said charges might be coming following an investigation.

Authorities do not believe alcohol or drugs were contributing factors in the wreck.

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