CHP identifies suspected DUI driver accused of deadly Tulare County crash

TULARE COUNTY, Calif. (KFSN) -- It was a tragic and heartbreaking Sunday for the family and friends of 36-year-old Steffan Coulson, also known as "Shrek," who was likely killed by an impaired driver according to officers.

It happened just before 4:30 am.

California Highway Patrol Officer Steve Beal says there were multiple calls of a wrong-way driver on Highway 198.

He says as officers tried to locate the driver, they learned he had changed course and was northbound on the southbound lanes of Highway 99.

When officers arrived to the scene, the wrong-way driver, 30-year-old Jose Cabrera, had already crashed into Coulson, who was headed southbound.

"He was under the influence," Beal said. "We will wait for the toxicology report for confirmation but at this point, it is believed he was impaired while driving."

Beal says Coulson died at the scene.

Cabrera was transported to Kaweah Health Medical Center with major injuries.

Coulson leaves behind a wife, two stepdaughters and four grandchildren.

His wife says he was always the first person to help anyone in need and was a member of the Visalia disc golf club.

Officials say Cabrera is facing multiple felony charges once he's released from the hospital.

A GoFundMe has been started to help pay for Coulson's funeral expenses.