Waterford driver who died in suspected DUI crash identified. Three children were in the car
The Waterford driver who died in a suspected DUI-related crash with three children in the vehicle has been identified by the Stanislaus County Coroner’s Office.
Jose Munoz Jr., 25, was driving a Ford Mustang south on Ellenwood Drive, north of Waterford, with his 6-year-old son in the front seat and two 8-year-old nephews in the back seat, according to the California Highway Patrol.
Munoz failed to negotiate a curve in the road and the Ford traveled onto the east shoulder where the left side of the vehicle hit a tree, according to the California Highway Patrol.
Munoz and his nephew in the left rear passenger seat were not wearing seat belts, according to the CHP. Both were ejected.
Munoz died at the scene and his nephew was taken by helicopter to the UC Davis Medical center in Sacramento for treatment of major injuries. An update on the boy’s condition was not available Tuesday.
The other boys, who were both wearing seat belts, sustained little to no injuries but also were taken to UC Davis Medical Center as a precaution.
Alcohol is believed to be a factor in the crash, according to the CHP.
CHP Officer Tom Olsen said the tree probably stopped the Ford from plummeting off an approximately 40 foot cliff into Dry Creek below.
On Tuesday, a roadside memorial with flowers, balloons and a cross marked the scene of the deadly crash.
