Jamestown, CA…On Friday, August 9, 2024, at approximately 7:25am, a 54-year-old male from Ceres was driving a 2014 Buick sedan eastbound on State Route 120, east of La Grange Road along with his passenger, 66-year-old Vicki Rasmussen of Ceres. At that same time, 67-year-old Erich Heinrichs of Turlock was driving a 2020 Hino tank truck westbound on State Route 120 east of La Grange Road, at approximately 55 miles per hour. For unknown reasons, the driver of the Buick allowed the vehicle to travel left of the painted solid double yellow lines, directly into the path of Mr. Heinrichs’ vehicle. Mr. Heinrichs was unable to avoid the Buick and as a result, both vehicles
crashed head on.

Both Mr. Heinrichs and Ms. Rasmussen sustained serious injuries and were transported by ambulance for treatment. Mr. Heinrichs was transported to Adventist Health Sonora and Ms. Rasmussen was transported to Memorial Medical Center in Modesto. Unfortunately, the driver of the Buick succumbed to his injuries at the scene. All the occupants were wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash.

It is unknown at this time if drugs or alcohol were a factor. The identity of the deceased is being held pending family notification.