A 7-year-old boy remained beside his mother for nearly 12 hours following a car accident on a California highway that tragically resulted in her death over the weekend, according to reports.

The two were going back to their home in Tollhouse after visiting a friend on Saturday night when the mother lost control of their vehicle, which veered off Highway 168 in Auberry, as reported by ABC 30 and the Los Angeles Times, citing the California Highway Patrol.

Their Subaru Crosstrek was later discovered almost 200 feet down an embankment after overturning multiple times, authorities shared with ABC 30.

“It was essentially nestled in a thicket of trees, hidden from sight of the highway,” said CHP officer John Marsh to ABC 30.

Officials informed the media that both mother and son were ejected from the vehicle. While the mother sadly died in the crash, her son survived and remained by her side for approximately 12 hours until he was found walking alone on a mountain road, according to the LA Times.

“We received a call about a child walking along the four-lane part of the 168, and the individuals who discovered him made their way to where the accident occurred,” Marsh noted, per ABC 30.

Lookout alert launched

CHP had been searching for the mother and son after they failed to return home as anticipated and were reported missing on Sunday morning, as indicated by ABC 30 and the LA Times. Authorities issued a lookout alert, and the boy was spotted before noon walking on the highway shoulder close to the accident scene.

7-year-old receives medical attention

The 7-year-old was taken to a nearby hospital where he was treated for various injuries, including a broken arm, and was later reunited with his father, according to ABC 30.

The CHP has not yet responded to YSL News’s inquiry for further details on the accident and its circumstances. Nonetheless, ABC 30 and LA Times reported that the investigation into the crash is ongoing, with CHP awaiting toxicology results to ascertain whether alcohol or drugs played a role.

Reports suggest that neither the mother nor the son were wearing seatbelts during the incident, according to media sources.

The victim, identified as 30-year-old Bailie French from Yokuts Valley, was confirmed by the Fresno County Coroner’s Office, as reported by ABC 30 and Fresno Bee.

Saman Shafiq is a trending news reporter. Follow her on X and Instagram @saman_shafiq.