Worker on way to clean up storm debris is killed in rollover crash, California cops say

A 37-year-old utility worker was killed in a rollover crash while on his way to help clean storm debris in California, police told news outlets.

Edgar Castillo of Elk Grove and another contracted worker with Pacific Gas and Electric were driving to communities in the North Bay to help with debris cleanup from a storm that hit the surrounding area, according to KTVU.

Around 7:50 a.m. on Jan. 7, Mendocino County Sheriff officials were called to Mountain View Road in Manchester on reports of a rollover crash, according to The Press Democrat.

“Their bucket truck lost control and the vehicle subsequently rolled over off the roadway,” Pacific Gas and Electric spokesperson Denny Boyles told McClatchy News.

McClatchy News reached out to California Highway Patrol on Jan. 9 and was awaiting a response.

A GoFundMe page created to cover Castillo’s funeral expenses said he was “quick to smile and quick to get up and dance.”

“Edgar had an infectious laughter, often the loudest in the room. That kind of laugh that comes deep from the belly and heart,” the GoFundMe page said.

The 2020 Freightliner boom truck was unable to turn on the road and hit a guardrail, according to a California Highway Patrol news release obtained by MendoFever. The car overturned down the dirt embankment.

The men were part of the company’s storm response team traveling to perform vegetation management work in the area, Boyles said.

Castillo, who was driving, was pronounced dead at the scene and his passenger, Jose Hernandez, 27, was hospitalized for his injuries, according to MendoFever.

“(Castillo) is loved by his family and there aren’t words to express how much he will be missed,” the GoFundMe page said.

Manchester is about 140 miles northwest of San Francisco.

This story was originally published January 9, 2023 at 4:09 PM with the headline "Worker on way to clean up storm debris is killed in rollover crash, California cops say."