Virginio Cortez Dead, Jose Sanchez Arrested after DUI Collision on Highway 101 [Salinas, CA]

Virginio Cortez Dead, Jose Sanchez Arrested after DUI Collision on Highway 101 [Salinas, CA]

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Virginio Cortez Dead, Jose Sanchez Arrested after DUI Collision on Highway 101 [Salinas, CA]

77-Year-Old Man Killed, 24-Year-Old Man Arrested after DUI Accident near Laurel Drive

SALINAS, CA (July 29, 2024) – Saturday afternoon, Virginio Cortez died and Jose Sanchez was arrested after a DUI crash on Highway 101.

Authorities responded to the scene around 1:06 p.m., near Laurel Drive on July 20th.

Per reports, Cortez was changing a tire on a pickup-truck on the side of the freeway. Shortly after, 24-year-old Sanchez was driving a black 2005 Acura Tl and veered off the side of the road.

The Acura then side-swiped a woman from Salinas who was standing near the pickup-truck and continued traveling south before hitting Cortez and the truck. The Acura was then pushed into the rear of a maroon Nissan Altima that was stopped in front of the pickup-truck.

In addition, the Acura spun out and hit another white 2003 Honda Pilot, driven by a 29-year-old Soledad man.

Emergency medics arrived and pronounced 77-year-old Cortez dead at the scene.

Police officers confirmed alcohol as the primary factor in the crash and arrested 24-year-old Sanchez. Currently, no further details regarding the multi-vehicle DUI crash on Highway 101 are available to the public.


Our deepest condolences and sympathies are with the family and friends of Virginio Cortez.


At Sweet James, we understand that the death of a loved one can leave a lasting impact on your emotional and financial well-being, and we are here to help. Our personal injury and wrongful death attorneys will be with you in every step of the legal process. We are here to seek justice and maximum compensation that you rightfully deserve. Call our offices today at 1-844-363-7713 for a free consultation with a legal professional in your area.


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