Placerville man dies in accident near Soda Springs

Jose Natividad Baron Vazquez, 24, of Placerville died Monday when his pickup careened down a steep embankment on Interstate 80, overturning as it hit boulders.

Passenger Joel Pelayo Rios, 22, of Placerville was able to crawl to the highway where motorists saw him and then called for help. Rios sustained major injuries.

The accident was near Soda Springs on Sept. 30.

The California Highway Patrol says alcohol and drugs do not appear to be a factor.

 — Lake Tahoe News staff report