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.

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