06/04/2010 // WPB, FL, USA // Nicole Howley // Nicole Howley

Napa, CA– Four family members were killed when their car was rear-ended and then thrown into the path of an oncoming semi-truck. The fatal crash occurred Thursday, June 3, 2010 on Highway 12 in Napa County, just east of Kirkland Ranch Road at around 8:20 p.m., as reported by the San Francisco Chronicle.

The California Highway Patrol (CHP) reported that two men and two women were traveling westbound on Highway 12 in a Subaru Forester, when it began to slow down as it approached traffic. A westbound Volvo big rig, driven by Gustavo Lopez, 42, of San Bernardino, wasn’t able to stop in time and subsequently crash into the rear of the Subaru and then hit another truck. The impact pushed the SUV into the path of an eastbound Freightliner truck.

The four people in the Subaru were all family members, which spanned three generations. Tragically they were all killed in the wreck. Officials identified the victims as Matthew Jay Smith, 48, of Ashland, Ore.; his daughter, Laura Katharine Smith, 19, of Downingtown, Pa.; and his parents, Richard Smith, 80, and Sally Smith, 74, of Simsbury, Conn.

The Freightliner truck driver, Luis Marabilla, 44, of Woodland (Yolo County) was uninjured in the wreck.

Lopez sustained minor to moderate injuries in the wreck.

A full investigation is currently underway. No arrests have been made at this time.

Legal News Reporter: Nicole Howley-Legal news for California 18-wheeler accident lawyers.

Media Information:

Address:
Phone: 866-598-1315
Url: http://NicoleHowley.visionsmartnews.com/4-family-members-killed-in-hwy-12-4-vehicle-crash_657.html