Copperopolis Resident Killed In Single Vehicle Crash

Sonora, CA — Lt. Dan Bressler of the Tuolumne County Sheriff´s Department has identified Armando Esparza as the 38 year old individual who was killed in an early Sunday morning accident.

Initially listed as an Oakland resident, Esparza made his home in Copperopolis. He was traveling northbound on Rock River Rd. south of Green Springs Rd. at 1:10am when his 2001 Chevy pickup traveled off the west edge of the roadway and struck a dirt and rock embankment causing it to overturn.

Esparza was not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the accident. He was ejected from the vehicle and pronounced dead at the scene by Cal Fire personnel.

Alcohol is believed to be a contributing factor to the cause of this accident. This marks the 13th traffic related fatality in Tuolumne County this year.

Written by Bill Johnson