Sonoma County Sheriff’s Office IDs second man killed in River Road crash

The second motorist killed in a fiery head-on collision Monday on River Road was identified Friday as Joseph Giancola Jr., 27, of Santa Rosa.

Sonoma County Sheriff’s Sgt. Cecile Focha released Giancola’s name, saying his family had been notified of his death.

CHP Officer Jon Sloat said Friday it was “pretty clear” - based on evidence at the scene and witness statements - that Giancola was at fault for “passing without sufficient clearance.”

It will take a few more weeks to reach a final determination of the cause, Sloat said, as investigators must complete a ?“24-hour profile” on both drivers. Interviews with family, friends and co-workers will be conducted to determine what each man was doing, hour by hour, for the 24 hours preceding the crash, Sloat said.

Giancola’s body was severely burned in the crash at 2:30 p.m. near Laughlin Road. He was driving a 2001 Lexus sedan westbound that witnesses said crossed double yellow lines and accelerated to about 80 mph into the path of an oncoming Ford Ranger pickup, the CHP said earlier this week.

The impact sent both vehicles airborne and spinning out of control, the CHP said. The Lexus burst into flames and came to rest nose down in a ditch off the edge of the shoulder, its front end smashed and essentially melted and its rear tires off the ground.

The pickup was thrown into a nearby driveway and came to rest with its nose crushed against a utility pole.

The driver of the truck was identified Tuesday as Jerry Ray Thompson, 58, of Windsor. Thompson’s dog also died in the crash.

Thompson, a professional truck driver, was trapped inside the truck and was initially believed to be alive but died at the scene, officials said. His Jack Russell terrier, Cindy, had been riding in the cab and was thrown out a window upon impact.

Giancola’s body was engulfed in flames inside the Lexus, officials said.

A spokesman for Giancola’s family, who asked not to be identified, said Friday the family was grieving and did not wish to make a public comment, except to express condolences to Thompson’s family.

River Road was closed between Laughlin and Olivet roads for about three hours for the crash investigation and cleanup.

You can reach Staff Writer Guy Kovner at 521-5457 or guy.kovner@pressdemocrat.com. On Twitter ?@guykovner.