Head-on crash kills truck driver on Lake County highway

A fatal collision that closed a Lake County highway occurred when a driver crossed into oncoming traffic and slammed into a commercial truck, according to a CHP report released Friday.

A 27-year-old man from Meridian in Sutter County driving a northbound 2008 International Box Truck was killed in the high-speed crash at about 8:15 a.m. Thursday on Highway 29 south of Highway 175, the CHP said. His name was being withheld while authorities notify his family.

Investigators said it was unknown why the driver of a southbound 2013 Mazda 3, identified as 24-year-old Justin Brink of Clearlake, crossed into oncoming traffic near Soda Bay Road.

The Mazda hit the left front of the truck, causing it to careen out of control and collide with a southbound 2006 Toyota, the CHP said.

Brink suffered major injuries, including a broken left leg, and was airlifted by REACH medical helicopter to Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital. In the Toyota, driver Monte Yttreness, 68, of Ukiah suffered facial cuts and passenger Jeanne Yttreness, 64, of Ukiah reported back pain, according to the CHP. Both were taken to Sutter Lakeside Hospital in Lakeport.

You can reach Staff Writer Julie Johnson at 521-5220 or julie.johnson@pressdemocrat.com. On Twitter @jjpressdem.