Passengers killed in suspected DUI crash near Dos Palos identified by Merced coroner

The Merced County Coroner has identified the two passengers killed in a suspected DUI crash north of Dos Palos earlier this month as Carlos Rocha, 22, of Dos Palos and Jesse Robles, 30, according to Merced County Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Deputy Daryl Allen.

At about 4:21 p.m. on June 1, California Highway Patrol officers responded to the collision on Highway 33 near Cypress Road. According to authorities, Rocha and Robles were passengers in a 2004 Hyundai driven by Jesus Garcia, 28, of Dos Palos.

The CHP said the vehicle was traveling south on Highway 33 when it appears that due to his intoxication, Garcia lost control of the vehicle, which spun and struck a power pole.

After striking the pole, the vehicle came to rest in a ditch where it caught fire.

According to the CHP, Garcia was able to exit the vehicle but Rocha and Robles were unable to escape as fire engulfed the vehicle. They were both pronounced dead at the scene.

The CHP said Garcia displayed signs and symptoms of alcohol intoxication and was arrested.