It happened just after 1:30 am Wednesday on Auberry Road west of Beal Fire Road.
Officers say three people in a Toyota went too fast around a curve on Auberry Road and struck a tree, knocking it down.
A 22-year-old backseat passenger was not wearing a seatbelt and died at the scene.
The 21-year-old driver was rushed to a hospital, and a 22-year-old front passenger was airlifted to Community Regional Medical Center with major injuries.
Drugs and alcohol are not suspected factors in the crash.