1 Dead, 2 Injured In Highway 128 Crash East Of Healdsburg

SONOMA COUNTY, CA — A driver died Monday in a crash east of Healdsburg on state Highway 128.

Shortly before 2 p.m., a red Jeep went off eastbound SR-128 just west of La Franchi Road, the California Highway Patrol said.

"For unknown reasons at this time, the driver lost control and the Jeep crossed into the opposing westbound lane," CHP Officer David deRutte said. "The left side of the Jeep collided into a tree

stump on the north side of the roadway."

There were three people in the Jeep: a male driver and two male passengers. One of the passengers was able to free himself from the wreckage but the driver and the other passenger were trapped inside the car.

The roadway was blocked in both directions as emergency personnel responded.

Firefighter-paramedics tended to the driver but he was pronounced dead at the scene.

The two passengers were taken to Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital, one with major injuries and the other with minor injuries, deRutte said.

Authorities reopened the roadway around 4:45 p.m. Monday.

The Sonoma County Coroner’s Office was working to properly notify the driver's family members prior to releasing his identity.

"If anyone witnessed this collision, or has any information regarding this collision, please call the Santa Rosa CHP Office at 707-588-1400," deRutte said.