Suspected DUI Driver Dead, Baby Dies after Emergency C-Section in Fresno Crash
FRESNO, CA (January 24, 2020) – A man possibly driving drunk was killed in a two-vehicle crash Friday morning in rural Fresno County.
The crash happened around 11:40 a.m. in the area of Nebraska and Elm avenues, just west of Highway 41.
According to the CHP, a 1992 Chevrolet S-10 truck failed to stop at a stop sign and struck a 2018 Jeep Liberty, which had the right of way. The impact caused both vehicles to overturn, blocking the roadway for about two hours.
Paramedics pronounced the driver of the Chevrolet dead at the scene. The Fresno County Coroner’s Office identified him as Hector Cortes, 39, of Fresno.
The driver of the Jeep, 23-year-old George Gonzalez Jr., was seriously injured. His three passengers suffered moderate injuries: Melissa Sanchez, 23; Daniel Torres, 56; and Julie Torres, 79. All are Fresno residents.
The Coroner’s Office said Sanchez was 29 weeks pregnant. She was taken to Community Regional Medical Center where she had an emergency C-section, but the baby ultimately died.
CHP officials said alcohol was believed to be a factor in the accident, which remains under investigation.
Our deepest condolences are with the families of Hector Cortes and the baby. We also wish the injured parties a swift and steady recovery.
The sudden loss of a loved one as a result of an accident is a traumatizing experience. The suffering is worse when the negligence of a third party caused the death. If you have lost a loved one in an accident and you need the help of a wrongful death attorney, contact us at the Sweet Lawyers. We have a team of experienced and dedicated lawyers who will help you through the overwhelming process of law. For a free evaluation of your case details, call our hotline at(800) 674 7852.