John Gieck, Kayla Race, Rania Houchin, Sofia Ramirez, Sally Grant, and One Other Involved in Crash near the Gridley Cemetery
GRIDLEY, CA (May 5, 2018) – A fatal multiple-vehicle accident on Highway 99 took place near Gridley Cemetery, late Saturday night.
According to the California Highway Patrol, the accident occurred around 11:00 PM, just north of Ord Ranch Road. 43-year-old John Gieck of Sacramento was driving southbound on the highway, when he crossed over the centerline, for unknown reasons.
His 1995 Toyota Camry’s front left side collided head-on with a 2017 Toyota RAV4, driven by 32-year-old Frania Houchin of Chico. From the impact of the collision, the RAV4 veered into the southbound lane into the path of a 2015 Toyota RAV4 that was behind Geick, driven by 32-year-old Sally Grant of Carmichael.
Grant was not injured in the accident, while Houchin suffered minor injuries and was taken by ambulance to the Oroville Hospital for treatment. She had two passengers inside her vehicle at the time of the collision. The front seat passenger, 64-year-old Sofia Ramirez of Chico, sustained moderate injuries and was transported to the Enloe Medical Center in Chico. A 68-year-old Chico man sitting in the back seat was pronounced dead at the scene. His identity was not disclosed immediately.
Gieck and his passenger, 29-year-old Kayla Race of Sacramento, fled from the scene going southbound on Highway 99. They were found hiding at the nearby cemetery, after an aerial search done by the CHP, aided by deputies from the Butte County Sheriff’s Office.
He was arrested and booked into the Butte County jail on suspicion of driving under the influence causing injury, felony hit-and-run, driving with a suspended license due to a DUI conviction, and gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated.
No additional information has been released at this time during the investigation.
Wishing the family and friends of the deceased victim strength and support in this difficult time. May he rest in peace.
If you have lost a loved one due to the negligent and reckless actions of a driver under the influence, contact the wrongful death lawyers at Sweet Law Group. We understand what you and your family are going through, and are here to help achieve the justice and compensation that you deserve. Call now at (800) 203-3061 for a free initial meeting with a legal professional in your are. We have over 40 years of experience and have dealt with personal injury, wrongful death, auto accidents, and disability.
