Castro Valley man killed in head-on crash near Modesto

Castro Valley man killed in head-on crash near Modesto

A Castro Valley man was one of two people killed in a head-on crash Tuesday night in Ceres.

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The crash was reported at 8:19 p.m. on Hatch Road near Ceres River Bluff Park. A westbound Toyota Prius and an eastbound Chrysler 300 collided on the two-lane road, and all three occupants were trapped in the cars, Ceres police said. They were extricated by Modesto firefighters.

The Castro Valley man, 89-year-old Leroy Don Smith, was a passenger in the Toyota; he was pronounced dead at the scene.

The Toyota’s driver, a 64-year-old Castro Valley woman, had major injuries and was taken to a hospital.  She was listed Wednesday as being in serious but stable condition.

The Chrysler’s driver — Youkhana Atrmiz, 36, of Ceres — was also taken to a hospital, where he died.

Police determined that the Chrysler crossed the double yellow line on Hatch just east of Boothe Road, the Ceres Courier reported. Atrmiz was not wearing a seatbelt, police said; speeding and alcohol or drugs have not been ruled out as factors.  The speed limit on that stretch of road is 55 mph.