3 Hospitalized after Fatal Collision near Sanguinetti Road
SONORA, CA (October 22, 2021) – Early Saturday night, Brian McGregor and 2 others were hurt in a multi-car crash on Highway 108.
The chain-reaction crash happened around 5:30 p.m., on Highway 108 just west of Sanguinetti Road. First responders arrived to the scene shortly after.
An unidentified man driving an eastbound Toyota rear-ended McGregor while traveling at speeds around 55 to 65 mph, who was driving a 2007 Chevy Avalanche at the same speed.
McGregor swerved left in attempt to avoid colliding, but the left side of the Toyota struck the right side of the Chevy.
The Chevy then proceeded west into the path of Evan Hatler, 65, who was driving a 2007 Dodge truck pulling a trailer.
McGregor lost control of his Chevy after colliding with the right side of the trailer, veering off the north side of the road and down an embankment. He eventually came to rest on a nearby boulder.
Meanwhle, the Toyota spun out of control into the westbound lane, colliding with 56-year-old Colleen Kotoske‘s 2009 Subaru Forester.
Following the impact, Kotoske lost control of the Subaru, which toppled and came to rest on its roof.
Subsequently, the Toyota struck a 1994 GMC Suburban, driven by 62-year-old Arturo Balderas‘ with a 7-year-old child inside from Modesto.
The Toyota eventually caught fire, trapping the driver inside. Medics pronounced him dead on scene, due to the extent of his injuries. Officials withheld his name until his nearest of kin is notified.
Meanwhile, Balderas and his young passenger escaped the GMC before it went up in flames.
Paramedics then took Kotoske, Balderas and his 7-year-old passenger to the hospital with minor injuries. McGregor also sustained minor injuries but declined hospital treatment, while Hatler did not sustain any injuries.
In addition, officers closed off the highway for several hours due to cleanup and further investigation.
At this time, police did not consider drugs and alcohol to be factors in the crash. However, an active investigation is ongoing.
The team at Sweet James offer their deepest condolences to the family and friends of the deceased victim.
Losing a loved one in an accident can have devastating effects on the emotional and financial well-being of those left behind. Let the wrongful death attorneys at Sweet James help you during this trying time. With 20 years of experience in the field, they know what it takes to help you win your case. All of the attorneys at Sweet James strongly believe each client’s case is unique and deserves full individual attention. They will fight to achieve the justice and compensation that you and your family deserve. Call them today at (800) 975-3435 for a free and confidential case evaluation. They are available 24 hours a day and 7 days a week through email, text, and online chat. Click here to request a police report.
For more accident news, click here.
Advertising disclosure: We may receive compensation for some of the links in our stories. Thank you for supporting LA Weekly and our advertisers.