Sonora, CA…This is an update from CHP now that the deceased’s name has been released as Ella Hampton-Rauch, 67, From Groveland. On Thursday April 26, 2018 at approximately 11:50 pm, 22 year Winton resident, Edgar Albert Santana, was driving a 2010 Dodge Avenger, traveling westbound on State Route 108, east of Old Wards Ferry over crossing, following behind a 2016 Toyota Prius Toyota at approximately 40-50 mph. At this time, a 2002 Ford F-150 was traveling eastbound on State Route 108, east of Old Wards Ferry over crossing. Santana drove over the solid double yellow lines into the eastbound lane to pass the Prius, directly into the path of the Ford F-150. The left front of Santana’s vehicle collided head-on with the Ford F-150 in the eastbound lane.

This collision caused Santana’s vehicle to rotate in a counterclockwise direction into the westbound lane. The right rear of Santana’s vehicle collided with the left front of the Prius. Santana sustained major injuries as a result of the collision and was transported by air ambulance to Doctors Medical Center in Modesto. Santana’s passenger, 26 year old Winton resident, Alejandro Mercado, sustained major injuries as a result of the collision and was transported by air ambulance to Memorial Medical Center in Modesto. The driver of the Ford F-150, Ella Hampton-Rauch, 67 of Groveland resident, was transported to Adventist Health Sonora and was pronounced deceased a result of the injuries sustained during the collision. The driver of the Prius, 26 year old Alfredo Jasso-Palma, and his two passengers, 34 year old Lucia Reyes, and 70 year old Carolina Reyes, all three Empire residents, were transported by ambulance to Adventist Health Sonora to be treated for minor injuries.

At approximately 12:35 am, Edgar Albert Santana was was placed under arrest for Felony DUI and Gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated. Due to this collision, State Route 108 was completely blocked and closed for approximately 3 1/2 hours.