A Honda Accord was southbound on U.S. 101 "at an unsafe speed in rainy conditions" when the driver lost control, crossed the grassy median and crashed into a northbound Subaru Outback, the CHP said on social media.
Four males, ages 19 and 20, were in the Honda. One was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver and two other passengers were taken to Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital with major injuries, police said.
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A male driver and female passenger in the Subaru were taken to Santa Rosa Memorial with major but non-life-threatening injuries. A baby in the back seat of the Subaru appeared unharmed, the highway patrol said.
U.S. 101 northbound was closed from the time of the crash until about 4:30 p.m.
Anyone with information regarding the crash is asked to call the Santa Rosa CHP office at (707) 806-5600.