Name of second driver released in Newman-area double fatal crash
The name of the second person killed in a double fatal head-on crash north of Newman on Monday was released by the Stanislaus County Coroner’s Office.
Alexandria Patterson, 52, of Newman was driving a Ram pickup north on River Road around 5:22 a.m. Monday when she moved into the southbound lanes, apparently to pass the big rig in front of her, according to the California Highway Patrol.
The Ram crashed head-on with a southbound Nissan Maxim driven by 38-year-old Patrick Gomez. Both vehicles then hit the side of the big rig.
Patterson’s Ram caught fire and became engulfed in flames. She died at the scene, as did Gomez, who was not wearing a seat belt.
The big rig driver was not injured.
Erin Tracy
The Modesto Bee