Authorities Identify Driver Killed In Highway 4 Crash In Martinez

MARTINEZ, CA — The Contra Costa County Coroner's Office has identified a Pittsburg man who died in one of two separate crashes Wednesday on state Highway 4 as 53-year-old Joel Tice Jr.

At 8:12 p.m. Wednesday, Tice was driving alone in a Lexus sedan on eastbound state Highway 4, west of Alhambra Avenue, when his Lexus traveled off the south side of the highway, the California Highway Patrol said.

The Lexus overturned and Tice was ejected, suffering major injuries, the CHP said.

He was taken to John Muir Hospital in Walnut Creek but was pronounced dead shortly after his arrival.

Hours earlier, a Pinole man died in a solo-vehicle crash on westbound SR-4 in Martinez.

The CHP said wet weather was definitely a factor in both fatal incidents but was not immediately able to determine whether alcohol or drugs were factors.

Both crashes remained under investigation; the CHP asked anyone with information to contact the Contra Costa CHP Office at 925-646-4980.

Bay City News Service contributed to this report.