Jamestown, CA…On July 31, 2020 at approximately 10:41 AM, a 21-year-old male from Fresno was driving a 2019 Chevrolet Tahoe SUV eastbound on State Route 120, east of Tulloch Road in the number 2 lane at high rate of speed. At that that same location, 41-year-old Robert Ellis of Redding was driving a 2019 Freightliner Cascadia Big Rig pulling a trailer, eastbound on State Route 120, east of Tulloch Road in the number 2 lane, ahead of the SUV. At some point, the driver of the SUV attempted to pass the Mr. Ellis’ vehicle, but, the right side of the SUV collided into the Big Rig causing the driver of the SUV to lose control. The SUV then traveled directly in front of the Big Rig where a second impact occurred. After the second impact, both vehicles caught fire and Mr. Ellis was able to escape without any injuries. Unfortunately, the driver of the SUV was unable to escape and succumbed to his injures at the scene.

This Traffic collision is still under investigation and Alcohol or Drugs are not suspected to be a factor. The eastbound lanes of State Route 120 were shut down in that area for approximately 1 hour until one of the lanes were able to open up for traffic.

The driver of the SUV’s identity is being withheld pending notification to the family.