Modesto Juveniles Survive 150 Foot Drop

Jamestown, CA — The California Highway Patrol says two Modesto juveniles are lucky to be alive after a single vehicle rollover on Tulloch Road yesterday.

A report indicates that 17-year-old Christopher Hoffman was driving a 1997 Ford S-U-V northbound with 17-year-old Gene Schlenker as a passenger.

Hoffman apparently failed to negotiate a tight curve in the road and went over a 150-foot cliff. Investigators say the S-U-V rolled down the near vertical embankment hitting numerous large rocks and trees on the way.

The vehicle eventually came to rest on its top with the entire left side sheared open and exposed. CHP says the two then walked to a nearby home for help.

They were transported to Doctors Medical Center for treatment of moderate injuries.

CHP says the two were wearing seatbelts which prevented them from being ejected from the vehicle and sustaining potentially fatal injuries.

Contact Eric Nelson at Eric Nelson