Deadly wreck was on Manning Avenue west of Hansen Avenue, officials say
ORANGE COVE, CA, (February 05, 2025) - A Wednesday evening crash in Orange Cove left a Washington man dead and led to the arrest of a driver from Mexico, according to the California Highway Patrol.
Ciriaco Santiago Gomez, 36, of Washington, was fatally hurt after the vehicle in which he was a passenger crashed into trees along Manning Avenue in Orange Cove Wednesday evening, officials said.
Tragically, Ciriaco Santiago Gomez, 36, of Aberdeen, Washington, died at the scene as a result of injuries.
Based on preliminary findings, a Honda Accord occupied by two people, including Gomez riding in the front seat, was traveling eastbound on Manning Avenue west of Hansen Avenue when, around 7:45 p.m., the driver—identified as a 26-year-old man from Oaxaca, Mexico—made an abrupt turn onto the right shoulder and crashed into multiple trees in an orange orchard. The Honda then overturned.
The driver from Mexico fled the scene. However, he was later arrested on Thursday, per the sheriff's office.
The investigation remains underway.
CRASH INVESTIGATION NEEDED
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, speeding was the primary cause of fatal crashes in 2018, followed by the influence of alcohol, drugs, or medication; failure to stay in the proper lane; failure to yield the right of way; and distracted driving.
While the cause and liability of the crash are being investigated, Candice Bond, an experienced accident attorney and Managing Partner of Bond Legal, said that it is imperative to have an independent investigation conducted by a seasoned attorney.
“In addition to the diligent work of law enforcement, an attorney can re-interview important witnesses, analyze any surveillance video from the scene of the crash, and obtain phone and texting records of the liable party,” said Bond.
WRONGFUL DEATH CLAIM
Pending the investigation, the family members of Ciriaco Santiago Gomez may be entitled to a wrongful death claim. Family members of wrongful death victims may seek damages for loss of companionship, pain and suffering, and emotional distress following a catastrophic accident.
“We understand that losing a loved one is not only a deeply emotional loss but also an economic one,” said Bond, a national analyst for Newsline.
“If you have lost a loved one due to someone else’s negligence, contact a wrongful death attorney and get the guidance needed to obtain the justice you deserve.”
Have you been in a similar accident and need help? Speak to Newsline's national legal analyst Candice Bond now free of charge for a no-obligation consultation
(Candice Bond, our national legal analyst, is a Managing Partner at Bond Legal. Newsline can and does use quotes from prior interviews with our analysts for our news articles. If you would like to contact Bond Legal to help you, please call 866-985-6515 or use the submission box found on this page. Legal analysts quoted may or may not be licensed in your state).