Jamestown, CA…On Monday, June 30th, 2025, at approximately 5:25 P.M., a 63-year-old male from Modesto, CA was driving a 1996 GMC Sonoma pickup truck, southbound on State Route 49, north of Sierra Rock Rd. Meanwhile, Jan Ruff, a 70-year-old male from Sonora, CA was driving a 2012 Chevrolet Silverado pickup truck, northbound on State Route 49, approaching the GMC truck. For an unknown reason, the driver of the GMC truck allowed the pickup to cross over double yellow lines, and the front of the GMC crashed into the front of the Chevrolet.

The driver of the GMC was not wearing his seatbelt causing him to be “pinned in” and the GMC caught on fire. The flames were extinguished by Fire Personnel however, the driver of the GMC suffered a fatal injury resulting from this crash.

Mr. Ruff was wearing his seatbelt and suffered moderate injuries. Drugs and/or alcohol are suspected to be a factor. This crash remains under investigation.