On August 2, 2018, at approximately 1704 hours, Merced Communication Center received a call of a collision involving a solo Chevrolet pickup off the roadway on La Grange Road, north of State Route 59. Emergency personnel was requested and responded to the scene. Officers from the California Highway Patrol (CHP) Merced Area Office responded to the scene and investigated the collision.
During the course of the investigation it was determined, Mr. Ruiz-Rosales was driving a 2006 Chevrolet Silverado southbound on La Grange Road, north of State Route 59, at a stated speed of 55 to 60 miles per hour. As Mr. Ruiz-Rosales negotiated a right-hand curve in the road, with a recommended posted speed limit of 40 miles per hour, Mr. Ruiz-Rosales allowed the Chevrolet to drift into the opposing traffic lane.
Mr. Ruiz-Rosales turned the Chevrolet sharply to the right to avoid on-coming traffic and lost control of his vehicle. The Chevrolet traveled off the west roadway edge of La Grange Road and down a steep embankment. The Chevrolet overturned several times, colliding with several large trees. The Chevrolet came to rest on its wheels between two trees. As a result of the collision, Mr. Ruiz-Rosales sustained a minor laceration to the top of the head. The right front passenger sustained fatal injuries due to the significant intrusion to the right side of the passenger compartment. Both occupants were properly seat belted. Drugs and alcohol were not a factor in this collision.