Coroner IDs Driver Killed In US Hwy 101 Crash Near Geyserville

SONOMA COUNTY, CA — A driver killed Friday in a crash on U.S. Highway 101 in northern Sonoma County was identified by the Sonoma County Sheriff-Coroner's Office as 33-year-old Southern California woman, Ariana Salazar.

At about 2:55 p.m. Friday, Salazar, of El Monte in Los Angeles County, was driving a blue Nissan Versa on southbound 101 near Geyserville Avenue when she lost control and the car went off the roadway to the east, then across the center median and into opposing traffic on northbound 101, said David deRutte, spokesman for CHP's Santa Rosa Area office.

In the fast lane of northbound 101, the Nissan collided first with a 2016 Honda Civic driven by a 62-year-old Cloverdale woman, then with a 2004 Toyota Tundra driven by a 64-year-old Ukiah woman, deRutte said.

Upon CHP's arrival, officers were notified by emergency personnel with the Geyserville Fire Department that the driver of the Versa — later identified as Salazar — had died at the scene.

The Tundra driver and her 63-year-old passenger were taken to a hospital for treatment of injuries described as moderate.

The Civic driver and her 28-year-old passenger were medically evaluated and released from care at the scene.

The crash remained under investigation Monday; CHP did not say whether alcohol, drugs or distracted driving were being investigated as possible factors.

"We ask that any witnesses or anyone who may have information on this collision, please call the Santa Rosa CHP office at 707-588-1400," deRutte said.

The fatal crash resulted in a three-hour closure of northbound 101, with traffic diverted around the scene by way of the Geyserville Avenue exit.

• ORIGINAL REPORT: Fatal Crash Blocks US Highway 101 Near Geyserville

Bay City News Service contributed to this report.