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Maxwell man dies in single-car accident

His death the third in county in past 3 weeks

A Maxwell man was the third to die on a Colusa County roadway in the past three weeks.

Diego Valdez, 22, was killed Saturday around 10:30 p.m. when his 1991 Dodge drifted off the road and struck a tree, according to the California Highway Patrol.

CHP Officer John Waggoner said it is unknown if alcohol was involved or if Valdez simply fell asleep at the wheel.

Valdez was driving north on Old Highway 99W, just north of Delevan Road, when he allowed his vehicle to cross over the center line and off the road, according to the report of CHP Officer Richard Owens.

Owens said although Valdez was wearing a seat belt and shoulder harness, he collided head on with the tree at an unknown speed, sustaining fatal injuries as a result of the impact.

Waggoner said three fatal car accidents have occurred in Colusa County since Memorial Day and five have occurred in the Yuba-Sutter area during the same period.

"That is a lot of fatalities in a short period of time," Waggoner said. "It's certainly a lot for our area."

On May 31, Debbie Ferchaud of Goldendale, Wash., was fatally injured on State Route 20, west of Walnut Drive, when she allowed her vehicle to cross the center line and collide head on with another vehicle driven by Jack Marquis, 87, of Arcata.

Upon impact, both vehicles caught fire and ignited a grass fire that burned about 7 acres.

Ferchaud, 54, was not wearing her seat belt, according to the CHP report. She was airlifted to UC Davis Medical Center, where she died two days later.

Marquis received major injuries and remains at Enloe Medical Center in good condition, an Enloe spokeswoman said Monday.

Eldena E. Azevedo, 57, of Williams was killed May 23 when she crossed the center line just south of Finks Road and drove into the path of a 1999 Ford pickup driven by Beau Waddell, 38, also of Williams. Azevedo was not wearing a seat belt, according to the CHP report.

Waddell and his passenger Stacy Waddell, 37, were treated and released at area hospitals.

Waggoner said that although drugs or alcohol are not suspected in the accidents that killed Ferchaud and Azevedo, blood analysis is being done on all three victims.

Waggoner said toxicology results for Valdez will not be available for several weeks.

 


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Reader's comments




I couldn't believe it when I heard it. I have known him for so long. To hear this is so hard to believe. Diego was such a good guy. He will be missed. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and Sabrina RIP Diego

C - Jun 09, 2009 06:38:28 PM Remove Comment

 
I want to offer my condolences to the family and friends of Diego. I did not know him but I know of him. I would like to also let this be a lesson to all those who have friends and family that allow them to get behind the wheel, even if only one drink. Just one drink can impair your judgment. Please, Don't just think of yourself but everyone, even the one's left behind here on earth. as they are your victim's too! I leave you all with prayer for all concerned, Amen

m. arens - Jun 09, 2009 05:42:00 PM Remove Comment

 
RIP Diego this is very sad to hear he had 2 little boys who will miss him and a new baby on the way this is very sad and i feel bad for the boys that are involved and his family.

Chris - Jun 09, 2009 04:59:54 PM Remove Comment

 
RIP DIEGO que descanses en pas we will miss u para siempre vas estar en nuestro corazones

chica - Jun 08, 2009 07:41:51 PM Remove Comment

 
This is totally unbelievable. My thoughts and prayers are with Sabrina and all of diego's family and friends. Diego was such a great guy with a great big heart. He will be missed. RIP Diego

Melissa - Jun 08, 2009 03:03:21 PM Remove Comment
 

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