Man killed in Highway 101 crash in Santa Rosa that injured three young relatives identified

The driver who died Saturday night in a Highway 101 crash south of Santa Rosa that also injured three family members with him was a 23-year-old Clearlake man.

Alexis Carrillo was driving three younger cousins home to Santa Rosa, when he lost control of his Ford Mustang about 11 p.m.

Witnesses told CHP officers the Mustang had been speeding and passing traffic in the rain just before Carrillo apparently lost control and crashed, CHP Officer David deRutte said. The Mustang began to spin near Todd Road, moving from the fast lane across the highway.

When Carillo’s car slid off the shoulder, it rolled over and hit a tree.

Firefighters cut Carrillo and his cousins from the wreckage. Though everyone in the car had been wearing seatbelts at the time of the crash, the three boys - ages 13, 12 and 11 - were seriously injured and had to be transported to Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital, deRutte said. Carrillo was pronounced dead at the scene.

Carrillo’s older sister, Wendy Fullam of Clearlake, said their family was “heartbroken” by her brother’s death.

“He was just a kind, genuine person,” Fullam, 25, said. “We were really, really close friends. I would talk to him about anything.”

Fullam said her brother had taken their cousins out for a “boys’ night” Saturday. They ate wings and stopped at Krispy Kreme for doughnuts, before Carrillo started driving them home.

When his Mustang hit the tree, Carrillo’s 13-year-old cousin was riding in the front passenger seat and suffered critical injuries, deRutte said. Carrillo’s 11-year-old cousin suffered major injuries, and his 12-year-old cousin had moderate injuries. Fullam said Monday that the boys were doing much better, and were recovering well.

Carrillo grew up in Santa Rosa and graduated from Montgomery High School in 2014. He attended Chico State University, where he graduated with a degree in psychology in 2018. He and his family moved to Clearlake a few years ago.

Carrillo had been working as a behavioral technician for children with autism, Fullam said.

“He landed into this job that he loved,” Fullam said.

Those close to Carrillo described him as funny and kind. His friend Evelyn Estrella, who lives in Santa Rosa, said he had a “contagious laugh.” Estrella, 24, went to high school with Carrillo, but they grew close when they were roommates at Chico State.

She recalled how Carrillo loved to cook.

He made great enchiladas and he usually shared them with her. In his spare time, Carrillo also liked boxing, played soccer and guitar and sang.

Estrella described Carrillo as “selfless,” adding that he was very close to his family.

“He cared so much about everyone,” she said. “He was very genuine, caring, loving - especially towards his family. He adored his family. He did everything, always, for his family.”

In addition to Fullam, Carrillo is survived by his parents, Elbia Salinas and Victor Carrillo, and a sister, Giselle Carrillo.

Staff Writer Randi Rossmann contributed to this report. You can reach Staff Writer Chantelle Lee at 707-521-5337 or chantelle.lee@pressdemocrat.com.