Crime & Safety
CHP Identifies Survivors in Fatal Napa County Crash
Monday, the CHP released the names of two of the three survivors of Sunday's collision that killed 18-year-old Tucker Welling of American Canyon. All four people in the car were wearing seatbelts, California Highway Patrol Officer Jake Ramos said.
The California Highway Patrol has released the names of the three passengers who survived a single-car crash on Wild Horse Valley Road that killed the driver.
Tucker Welling, 18, of American Canyon died when his newly-purchased Chevy Impala slammed into a tree about 1:35 a.m. Sunday. He was pronounced dead at the scene of the collision
His three passengers, all from American Canyon, suffered moderate to major injuries, CHP Officer Jake Ramos said.
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Thomas Pryor, 19, suffered critical injuries and was taken to Queen of the Valley Medical Center then airlifted to U.C. Davis Medical Center, CHP Officer G. Garcia said on Sunday.
A 17-year-old boy and Joseph Fowler, 21, suffered moderate injuries and were also transported to the Queen, Ramos said.
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All four victims were wearing seatbelts, he said.
Welling was driving his Impala westbound on Wild Horse Valley Road in east Napa County when he lost control of the vehicle, hit a fence and then smashed into a tree, Garcia said.
The impact ripped the Impala into two pieces, with the front end bursting into flames while the rest of the car traveled about 100 yards down the road, according to firefighters who were first to arrive.
At this time CHP investigators do not know if alcohol or drugs played a part in the fatal crash, Garcia said.
“We suspect speed could be a factor,” he said. “The accident is under investigation.”
An autopsy of Welling is set for Tuesday, Napa Sheriff’s Capt. Tracey Stuart said this morning.
Earlier coverage:
- Victim of Fatal Crash Identified as American Canyon Teen
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