Driver in fatal fiery Santa Rosa crash still not identified

Coroner’s investigators are still trying to identify the badly burned man who died in the weekend crash.|
RANDI ROSSMANN
THE PRESS DEMOCRAT

Dental records or DNA likely will be used to positively identify the man killed in a fiery crash Sunday in Santa Rosa, according to the Sonoma County Coroner’s Office.

The driver had been speeding southbound on Santa Rosa Avenue near Barham Avenue about 1:20 a.m. Sunday when his 2016 Dodge Charger went over a curb and into the traffic signal pole and tree, according to Santa Rosa police. The Charger caught fire and the driver was badly burned.

Because of the fire, police officials initially said it wasn’t clear whether the driver was a man or woman. Tuesday, the Sonoma County Coroner’s Office said the driver was a man and that either dental records of DNA would be needed for identification.

Santa Rosa traffic officers are investigating the crash. Traffic Sgt. Summer Black said speed was a likely factor but whether alcohol or drugs was involved would be determined with toxicology testing.

-Randi Rossmann

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