Fortuna Man Escaped Injury in Fatal Crash Near Willits That Also Sent Three to the Hospital
[Background image by Oliver Cory]
The CHP report states, “The impact of the collision forced the Chevrolet back into the northbound lane [where it] was then struck by the Kenworth.”
The driver of the Chevy, a 40-year-old Santa Rosa man, who did not appear to have been wearing his seatbelt, was pronounced dead at the scene, the CHP report said.
The male driver of the Toyota, Amilcar Lopez Alvarez age 29 from Covelo, was taken to Howard Memorial Hospital in Willits and then later flown to Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital. Both passengers, 32-year-old Karin Gonzalez of Covelo and an 8-year-old girl also of Covelo, were taken to Howard Memorial also at first. But the child was later flown to Oakland Children’s Hospital.
The driver of the Kenworth, 37-year-old Jesus Diaz Velasquez of Fortuna was uninjured.
Both the occupants of the Toyota and the occupant of the Kenworth were wearing their seatbelts, according to the CHP report.
“It is unknown at this time if alcohol or drugs are a factor in this collision” which is still under investigation, the CHP report states.
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Play with Fire, (NOT WEARING A SEAT BELT & Crossing the Double Yellow to pass), You WILL Get BURNED!!! RIP to the driver of the Chevy!!!
Meh for the driver…I feel for the victims he hit. Hope they make it through.
Wow
Sorry I am not as sympathetic to the driver who acted so recklessly that he caused such an accident and his own death. I am glad that the victims of his stupidity have survived, as far as we know.
Is that so shocking?
If the tables were turned, and he survived and killed the other three would your response then be “Wow”?
🕯🌳I have to agree with you Angela. Has there been a rash of people not wearing their seatbelts lately or what?
I agree. Too many clueless idiots putting others at risk
Yes… such a shame 🙁 And NOT FAIR to innocent others!
Lets not forget the entire Willits Bypass is haunted as it is built over ancient Pomo Burial grounds.
Sad as it may be someone died as a result of stupid irresponsible behavior, he won’t be able to do it again. This behavior is a pattern in a lot of drivers and must stop. As a professional driver myself, I see this crap all day long every day.
I hope and pray the lives he almost took with him fully recover.
Please people wear your seatbelt. It only takes a second to put on. Had he had his seatbelt on it would have given him a much better chance of surviving. A very sad ending to a simple mistake. Condolences to his family and friends.
He would have had an even greater chance of surviving had he not attempting an illegal pass crossing double yellow lines in a no passing zone.
AGREED!!!!
Off topic, but why did the CHP lie and probably cover up a DUI from the 8/27/2020 crash near Ferndale that sent two people to the hospital?
https://kymkemp.com/2020/08/31/two-received-major-injuries-in-crash-near-ferndale/
In a follow-up press release the CHP said it was unknown at the time if alcohol or drugs played a factor. But, the driver should’ve already been tested in the hospital as part of normal procedure and protocol under the circumstances.
https://lostcoastoutpost.com/2020/aug/31/chp-releases-more-details-ferndale-major-injury-cr/
So, again, why would they lie about a dangerous driver who was likely drunk driving? Would be great to know and part of normal disclosures.
If I remember correctly the driver in that wreck had the last name of Hindley. I know there was a CHP officer in this area at one time with the same last name. He was in charge of investigating the wreck where 1 died and 3 were seriously injured on Drake Hill Rd. a while back. Don’t know if there is a connection or if it is just coincidence.
Likely and probably driving under the influence aren’t good enough reasons. I have an idea, why don’t you call the CHP office and follow up on it instead of squawking on the internet like you did on the articles then and now.
The driver in that accident has passed away from his injuries…..
Cops can’t take blood from someone that is unconscious. It’s against the law.
Not sure where you heard that but you have been misinformed. They can take it, and if it contains drugs or alcohol they can use it as evidence.
Really, the Reported lack of seat belt use probably didn’t play too much a roll in his death….getting knocked around between a large….and an extremely large, most likely loaded (knowing Jesus), big rig, was, I’m sure enough a thunder clap to send him hither!
Still everybody, buckle up and slow down!
I was there right it happened and you could tell he was dead. I’m glad he was the one not out of malice but so that less people will spend the rest of their lives miserable because of this.
It was truly upsetting to see.
My prayers and condolences go out to all the families involved…. Praying for this young lady to have a speedy full recovery… May you Rest In Peace and your family find closure…