Update: Former Calaveras Rodeo Queen Dies In Valley Springs Crash

Update at 8:41 am: The CHP has released more information about the tragic crash that killed 17-year-old Calaveras High School student Lily Butler.

We reported below that Butler was the 2021 Calaveras Rodeo Queen and the 2022 Amador Rodeo Queen.

The CHP notes that she was driving east on Highway 26 in a 2015 Nissan Versa at 2:44 pm on Wednesday. Traveling westbound was 61-year-old Anthony Morales of Valley Springs in a 2000 Toyota Tundra. Morales attempted to pass slower moving traffic and collided with Butler’s oncoming vehicle. He was transported to San Joaquin General Hospital to treat major injuries and Butler was pronounced dead at the scene.

The CHP adds, “Alcohol and or drugs are not suspected as a cause of this collision. This collision is still under investigation.”

Original story posted at 7:29 am: Valley Springs, CA — A Calaveras High School student, who was a multi-county rodeo queen, was tragically killed in a crash on Wednesday afternoon.

The Calaveras Consolidated Fire Department confirms that Lily Butler, a high school senior, died in the crash shortly before 3 pm on Highway 26 near Shelton Road. Specific details surrounding the incident have not yet been released by officials. Butler was the 2021 Calaveras Rodeo Queen and the 2022 Amador Rodeo Queen.

The fire department adds, “It is with a heavy heart that we say goodbye to Lilly Butler. Her father was a former captain for our Fire District. The Butler family is part of our fire family.”

Continuing, “We are grieving over this loss and ask everyone to please respect their privacy at this time and keep the family in your thoughts and prayers.”

Numerous other agencies responded to the crash, including the CHP, CAL Fire, Sheriff, and American Legion Ambulance.