CHP releases names of people in fatal crash near Knights Ferry

Authorities on Wednesday identified the people involved in a fiery fatal crash that closed Highway 108 near Knights Ferry on Tuesday afternoon.

Rafi Mitri, 22, of Riverbank was driving a 2003 Hyundai Accent east on the highway when he crossed the double yellow line in an attempt to pass another vehicle, the California Highway Patrol said. The Accent hit a 1999 Ford Ranger head-on.

The impact killed the driver of the Ford Ranger, 81-year-old Frank Garcia of Modesto.

Mitri and a passenger in the Accent, Amanda McSweeny, 22, of Oakdale, suffered major injuries. A passenger in the Ford, Richard Martinez, 71, of Oakdale, also suffered major injuries.

The collision started a small fire, which burned about an acre and a half.

The investigation into the crash continues.

This story was originally published August 27, 2014 at 7:06 AM with the headline "CHP releases names of people in fatal crash near Knights Ferry."