Jose Ortacotto, Elba Melendezdeorta Obituary, Death: Victims identified in Highway 49 crash that killed 4 in Tuolumne County
Jose Ortacotto, Elba Melendezdeorta Obituary, Death – Four individuals who lost their lives in a tragic crash on Wednesday in Tuolumne County have been formally identified by authorities. According to Investigator Ashley Boujikian, spokesperson for the Tuolumne County Sheriff’s Office, the victims were all residents of Puerto Rico and had been traveling together in a Jeep Grand Cherokee at the time of the collision.
The deceased include 56-year-old driver Jose Ortacotto, 52-year-old passenger Michelle Cotto Rodriguez, 72-year-old passenger Elba Melendezdeorta, and 83-year-old passenger Jose Ortacarmona.
The fatal crash occurred shortly before 6 p.m. near the intersection of Shaws Flat Road and Highway 49. The California Highway Patrol (CHP) reported that Ortacotto had been driving westbound on Shaws Flat Road when he stopped at a stop sign. For reasons still unknown, he proceeded into the intersection, entering the path of an oncoming Dodge Ram truck traveling north on Highway 49 at an estimated speed of 60 miles per hour.
The Dodge Ram struck the left side of the Jeep with significant force, pushing the vehicle off the road and onto the west shoulder of Highway 49. The collision was devastating, leading to the deaths of all four occupants in the Jeep.
The driver of the Dodge, an 18-year-old man from Jamestown, sustained injuries described as moderate to major, but he survived the crash. Emergency responders quickly arrived on scene, and investigators began working to determine the cause of the accident.
At this stage in the investigation, law enforcement officials have indicated that drugs and alcohol do not appear to be contributing factors in the crash. Authorities are continuing to gather information and review evidence to fully understand what led to the tragic sequence of events.
This incident has brought sadness to both the local community and those connected to the victims. The identities of the deceased emphasize the far-reaching impact of this loss, as all of them were visiting from Puerto Rico.
Law enforcement agencies are reminding drivers to remain cautious at intersections and to be fully aware of surrounding traffic. Investigators will continue reviewing possible explanations for why the Jeep entered the highway at that moment, including whether visibility, misjudgment, or another factor played a role.
In the meantime, the families of the deceased are being notified and supported by officials. The investigation remains active, and further details may be released as they become available.
This tragic crash highlights the importance of roadway safety and the devastating consequences that can arise from even a momentary lapse in judgment or timing. Authorities are urging any witnesses or individuals with relevant information to come forward to assist in the investigation.
