Giovanni Martinez Placencia of Madera County was killed in an ATV crash on Thursday, Oct. 22, 2026.
GOFUNDME
A 16-year-old died Thursday when his ATV crashed in Madera County.
The California Highway Patrol said the crash happened just after 8 p.m. near Avenue 20 1/2 and Road 20.
CHP said Giovanni Martinez Placencia was riding a 2017 Polaris ATV south on a private dirt road, north of Avenue 20 1/2. He crossed over Avenue 20 1/2 and failed to notice a metal chain strung across the private road.
The front of the ATV hit the chain and the teen was ejected. The ATV continued and crashed into an almond tree. Placencia, of Madera County, was pronounced dead at the scene.
The crash remains under investigation. CHP said Placencia was not wearing a helmet.
A GoFundMe was set up to help the family.
Related Stories from Fresno Bee
The Fresno Bee
Anthony Galaviz writes about breaking news/sports for The Fresno Bee. He covers the Las Vegas Raiders, high schools, boxing, MMA and junior colleges. He’s been with The Bee since 1997 and attended Fresno City College before graduating from Fresno State with a major in journalism and a minor in criminology.
Support my work with a digital subscription