Victim in Head-On Crash Identified
The man killed in a head-on collision Wednesday was identified as 33-year old Jose Luis Rivera of Santa Maria.
Rivera was driving eastbound on Betteravia Road toward Santa Maria when another vehicle slammed into him head-on.
CHP investigators identified that driver as 22-year old Juan Ortiz, who is recovering from serious injuries in a local hospital.
The head-on collision happened just before 6 p.m. Wednesday on Betteravia Road west of Ray Road.
Officials believe Ortiz was traveling 65-70 mph when he tried to pass other vehicles and slammed into Rivera’s car.
California Highway Patrol officers said poor visibility caused by the rain may have played a role.
