LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – The Lake County Sheriff’s Office has confirmed the identities of three men who died May 27 in a solo-vehicle crash in Kelseyville, while at the same time the California Highway Patrol is continuing its investigation into the wreck.
Sgt. Corey Paulich of the Lake County Sheriff’s Office identified the three men who died as Kelseyville residents Cristian Macias, 21; Jose Reynosa Macias, 28; and Michael Cernas, 34.
The three men were in a 2010 Chevrolet Camaro that crashed just before 2:30 a.m. on May 27, as Lake County News has reported.
The Camaro was traveling westbound on Gold Dust Drive, west of Paradise Road, when it failed to negotiate a turn at the intersection of Gold Dust Drive and Wilson Road and hit a metal fence, according to the CHP report.
The CHP said the Camaro then traveled forward and hit a tree. The Camaro burst into flames, with the occupants becoming trapped inside. All three men died at the scene.
Paulich said the sheriff’s office is still waiting on the toxicology report from the autopsies, which would determine if alcohol or drugs were factors in the crash.
At the same time, the CHP is continuing its work on the investigation, said CHP Officer Kory Reynolds.
Investigators were able to determine early on that speed had been a contributing factor in the crash. Reynolds said they’re also waiting on the toxicology results to determine if drugs or alcohol played a part.
As for who was driving, authorities on Tuesday said they could not confirm who the driver was or where the men were riding in the vehicle.
Reynolds said he didn’t have any other new information on the investigation’s progress.
A GoFundMe account has been created to help the crash victims’ families with memorial service costs.
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Triple fatal crash investigation continues; sheriff’s office IDs victims
- Elizabeth Larson
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