Tuolumne County, CA (July 25, 2025) – Two people from Puerto Rico were killed and two others injured in a single-vehicle crash Friday morning in Tuolumne County.
Accident Details: The crash occurred shortly before 10:30 a.m. on Highway 49, just north of Springfield Road. According to the California Highway Patrol, a Toyota Rav4 carrying four people veered off the roadway and struck a large tree. The vehicle overturned and came to rest on its roof.
The driver, Jose Ortacotto, 52, and passenger Michelle Cotto Rodriguez, also 52, were both pronounced dead at the scene. Two other passengers, Elba Melendezdeorta, 72, and Jose Ortacarmona, 83, sustained major injuries and were hospitalized.
Investigation and Legal Considerations: CHP is working to determine what caused the vehicle to leave the roadway. Investigators will review factors such as fatigue, distraction, speed, mechanical malfunction, and weather conditions. Surviving family members may be eligible to pursue wrongful death or personal injury claims depending on the outcome of the investigation.
I offer heartfelt condolences to the families impacted by this tragedy.
Source: ABC10