DUI Traffic Collision near Draper Mine Road Left 39-Year-Old Angels Camp Man Dead

SONORA, CA (May 18, 2023) – Late Thursday afternoon, police arrested Tammi Lee Ann Truschke-Harpster following a fatal DUI collision along Highway 108. According to CHP, the crash occurred around 5:08 p.m. on Highway 108 just west of Draper Mine Road. Investigators said a 2019 Kia Optima traveling west on 108 slowed down to make a turn on a private driveway. At the same time, a 30-year-old Sonora man drove east in a Ford F-350 and a woman traveled west in a 2020 Dodge Ram 2500. However, the Dodge rear-ended the Kia and sent it into the path of the F-350. As a result, the Ford hit the right side of the Kia. Police said the driver of the Dodge, 49-year-old Tammi Lee Ann Truschke-Harpster, exited her vehicle on the north shoulder. Eventually, paramedics arrived and airlifted the 39-year-old male driver of the Kia from Angels Camp to Doctors’ Medical Center in Modesto. Unfortunately, the Kia driver succumbed to his injuries Saturday. At this time, his identity remains undisclosed pending notification from the next of kin. The Ford driver, 30-year-old Samuel Luce of Sonora, did not sustain injuries. Responding authorities determined that Truschke-Harpster was under the influence at the time of the incident. In the end, Truschke-Harpster was transported to a hospital for minor injuries before being booked into Dambacher Detention Center.
No words can mend the broken hearts and sorrow felt during this delicate moment. The Sweet James team sends their deepest condolences and sympathies to the family and friends of the victim.
Let the experienced lawyers at Sweet James help you win your DUI accident case. They understand that the death of a loved one can leave a lasting impact on your emotional and financial well-being, and they are here to help. Their wrongful death attorneys will be with you in every step of the legal process. They are here to seek justice and the maximum compensation that you rightfully deserve. Call their offices today at 1-800-900-0000 for a free consultation with a legal professional in your area. They are available 24 hours a day/ 7 days a week by email, online chat, and text message for any concerns or questions.

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