Update: Fatal medical episode led to crash on Interstate 5, CHP reports
May 5 update: California Highway Patrol Modesto area office spokesman Officer Thomas Olsen said Monday that Santa Rosa resident Richard Tonti suffered a medical problem that led to him crashing his pickup on I-5 late Thursday or early Friday. It does not appear the crash into a ditch caused his death, Olsen said.
Original story: A Santa Rosa man died early Friday after crashing his pickup truck on Interstate 5 in the Westley area, according to the California Highway Patrol.
Richard Tonti, 69, was southbound, north of Ingram Creek Road when for unknown reasons he left the roadway and drove into a ditch on the west side of the interstate.
The time of the crash is undetermined, the CHP reported. Tonti was alone in his 1997 Ford Ranger and remained in the truck until removed by emergency personnel.
Responding CHP officers performed CPR until relieved by Patterson District Ambulance paramedics. Paramedics declared Tonti dead at 1:26 a.m.
Tonti was wearing his seat belt, and drugs and alcohol do not appear to be factors in the crash, the CHP said. The crash remains under investigation.
This story was originally published May 4, 2020 at 8:54 AM.
