Police ID victims of fatal Saturday collision

Three people, including two children, were killed in a traffic collision on Highway 12 west of Lodi last Saturday night, according to a Wednesday night press release from the California Highway Patrol.

Stacy Medeiros, 34, and Evangelene Medeiros, 3, both of Lodi, and Riley Tanner, 6, of Woodbridge, died from injuries sustained during the collision, according to Detective Dave Konecny of the San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office.

At approximately 9:08 p.m., near Little Potato Slough Road, a 2008 Mercedes driven by a 55-yearold male from Woodbridge was traveling east on Highway 12 faster than the posted 55-mile-perhour speed limit, according to the CHP. A 2004 Mercury, driven by a 35-year-old male from Lodi, was directly behind the Mercedes, also driving above the speed limit.

As the Mercury reportedly tried to pass the Mercedes along the right shoulder, the Mercury’s right tires left the pavement. When the Mercury attempted to get back onto the road, its left rear wheel struck the front right corner of the Mercedes, forcing both vehicles to the left into a temporary concrete wall.

Due to the high rate of speed, both vehicles lost control and were deflected back to the right of the highway. The Mercedes continued off the south edge of the roadway and into an irrigation ditch facing east. The Mercury also continued, out of control, off the same roadway edge where it overturned several times and came to rest on its roof, submerged in an irrigation ditch facing west.

The driver of the Mercedes was able to safely get out of his vehicle. The driver of the Mercury and his 10-year-old son were able to exit their vehicle, but sustained major injuries. The other three passengers died from injuries sustained in the collision.

CHP does not believe drugs or alcohol were a factor in the collision, but the cause is being investigated. The identities of the two drivers have not yet been released due to the ongoing investigation, according to CHP Officer Charlie Katzakian.