Coroner IDs Woman Killed in Hwy 4 Crash

CONTRA COSTA COUNTY, CA – A woman killed in a collision Wednesday on state Highway 4 in Concord has been identified by the Contra Costa County coroner's office as Lori Portales, 60, of San Jose.

At 7:59 p.m. Tuesday, the California Highway Patrol was notified of an overturned vehicle on westbound Highway 4 just east of Port Chicago Highway, CHP officials said.

Following an investigation, investigators determined Portales was traveling west in the No. 3 lane in a 2001 Toyota Camry. Reaching about 70 mph, Portales approached a 2012 Toyota Corolla driven by a 64-year-old male from Pittsburg, according to the CHP.

Portales veered into the No. 4 lane and attempted to pass the other vehicle but lost control. Portales veered back into the No. 3 lane and collided with the front part of the Corolla, CHP officials said.

Both vehicles continued toward the center divider before Portales' vehicle struck the center metal guardrail and overturned. She was partially ejected and crushed by her vehicle, CHP officials said.

Upon arrival, CHP officers and medical crews pronounced Portales dead at the scene. The other driver was uninjured.

Investigators do not yet know if alcohol or drugs were factors in the crash.

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--Bay City News/File photo