Vallejo Man Dies, Napa Man Injured in Napa County Crash

NAPA COUNTY, CA (July 21, 2024) — A fatal crash near Napa County Airport late Wednesday resulted in the death of a Vallejo man and injuries to a Napa man.

According to the California Highway Patrol, the incident occurred at approximately 11:13 p.m. when a 2019 Volkswagen Golf, driven by Cesar Gomez Martinez, was traveling south on Highway 29. Simultaneously, a 2004 Dodge Ram 2500 towing an RV trailer, driven by a 66-year-old man from Sparta, Missouri, was heading west on Highway 12 at about 75 mph.

The Dodge ran a red light at the intersection with Airport Boulevard and collided with Martinez’s vehicle. The impact sent the Volkswagen into a pole, leading to Martinez being pronounced dead at the scene by emergency personnel around 12:30 a.m. Thursday.

The Dodge then continued into the eastbound lanes of Airport Boulevard, striking a 2002 GMC Sierra 2500 driven by a Napa man. The Napa driver, who had been slowing for the red light, sustained neck and chest injuries and was transported to Providence Queen of the Valley Medical Center.

The Napa County crash led to traffic diversions on Airport Boulevard for investigation and cleanup, with the roadway reopening by 3 a.m. Thursday. Authorities do not suspect alcohol or drugs as factors in the crash, which remains under investigation.