Virginio Cortez Killed While Changing Tire on Highway 101 in Salinas

Suspected DUI Driver Hits Man Changing Tire on Highway

SALINAS, Calif. (July 23, 2024) — A suspected DUI driver allegedly struck Virginio Cortez, 77, who was changing a tire on his pickup truck Saturday afternoon on Highway 101 in Salinas.

The deadly crash occurred on the southbound 101, near the Laurel Drive off ramp on July 20th, according to KSBW Action News and the California Highway Patrol’s Monterey PIO.

The driver of a black 2005 Acura TL reportedly veered off the highway and collided into the victim and the white Chevrolet Colorado pickup truck. The suspect also hit two other vehicles including a white 2003 Honda Pilot.

Several people witnessed the collision and upon arrival CHP officers determined the driver from the black sedan was drunk.

They charged the suspect 24-year-old Jose Ramiro Sanchez Jr. of Salinas with felony DUI and gross vehicular manslaughter charges after the collision.

The case remains under investigation.

Johnson Attorneys Group does not represent any of the parties mentioned above. Furthermore, Johnson Attorneys Group hopes this news information is timely and helpful. Additionally, if you would like to contribute any information, add a GoFundMe page or have legal questions, please call 1-(855) 703-4186 as soon as possible. Our personal injury law firm is a proud, longtime supporter of Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD).