Sonora, CA….On May 11, 2023, at approximately 5:08 pm, a 39-year-old Angels Camp resident was driving a 2019 Kia Optima westbound on Highway 108, west of Draper Mine Road and slowing to make a left turn onto a private driveway.  At this time, 30-year-old Sonora resident, Samuel Luce, was driving a 2015 Ford F-350 eastbound on Highway 108, approaching the Kia.  49-year-old Jamestown resident, Tammi Truschke, was driving a 2020 Ram 2500 westbound on Highway 108, approaching to the rear of the Kia.

Ms. Truschke’s Ram crashed into the rear of the Kia and as a result, pushed the Kia into the path of Mr. Luce’s Ford.  The front of Mr. Luce’s vehicle struck the right side of the Kia. Mr. Luce’s Ford overturned onto its left side and came to rest on the south shoulder, against the Kia.  Ms. Truschke stopped on the north shoulder immediately after the crash.  Mr. Luce was wearing a seatbelt and was able to exit his vehicle with no injuries. The driver of the Kia was subsequently flown to Doctors’ Medical Center in Modesto with major injuries.

Ms. Truschke was wearing a seatbelt at the crash and sustained minor injuries. It was determined that Ms. Truschke was driving while under the influence and was placed under arrest for having caused a crash with injuries while under the influence of alcohol and drugs/medications. Ms. Truschke was taken to Adventist Health Sonora to be treated for her minor injuries and subsequently booked into the Tuolumne County Jail on multiple felony charges. The CHP was notified the driver of the Kia succumbed to their injuries on May 13, 2023.

This crash is still under investigation and the identity of the deceased is not being released by CHP at this time.