Eureka man ID’d in fiery Willits crash that killed two

The driver of the pickup carrying five passengers was trapped inside the burning vehicle.|
PAUL PAYNE
THE PRESS DEMOCRAT

Authorities released the name Saturday of one of two drivers killed earlier in the week in a fiery head-on crash north of Willits.

The remains of Gilberto Delgado, 44, of Eureka, were identified by family members, said Captain Greg Van Patten of the Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office.

Delgado was southbound on Highway 101 early Friday in a Dodge Ram pickup with five passengers when a northbound Ford Bronco crossed double-yellow lines into his path.

A Good Samaritan helped injured passengers including two children escape as fire engulfed the pickup. Delgado remained trapped inside.

The Bronco driver also was killed. His identity has not been released.

You can reach Staff Writer Paul Payne at 707-568-5312 or paul.payne@pressdemocrat.com. On Twitter @ppayne.

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