Alamo, CA – Authorities have identified 61-year-old Fernando Ruiz Horta as the man killed on the afternoon of Thursday, April 17, 2025, when a loose tire struck his windshield, according to Bay City News.
The California Highway Patrol reports that the accident took place around 1:35 PM on Interstate 680 near Stone Valley Road, when the left rear tire of a blue Ford van traveling northbound detached and bounced across the center divider, striking a southbound Toyota Tundra driven by Ruiz Horta.
Authorities said Ruiz Horta, the sole occupant of the Toyota Tundra, was killed on impact when the tire crashed through the windshield of his vehicle. Emergency responders arrived at the scene, but he was pronounced dead shortly after their arrival due to the severity of his injuries. The occupants of the Ford van, including the driver and a passenger, were not injured in the incident.
Investigators have not determined the exact reason the tire came off the van, and the cause remains under investigation. CHP officials stated that the driver of the van is cooperating with the investigation and that there is currently no indication that alcohol or drugs contributed to the incident.
Several lanes on both sides of the highway were closed during the on-scene investigation and cleanup, but they were reopened later that afternoon. Authorities are examining whether vehicle maintenance played a role in the equipment failure that led to the crash.
The investigation remains ongoing, and officials have not released any information regarding potential charges.
Wrongful Death Claims
Losing a loved one in a traffic accident is devastating, and the pain can be made worse by the financial strain that often follows. Medical bills, funeral costs, and the loss of income to support dependents of the deceased can leave families struggling. Filing a Wrongful Death claim against those responsible can provide compensation to help with these expenses.
California Wrongful Death Lawyer
If you or someone you love was harmed in an accident like the one described here, contact a California Wrongful Death Lawyer for any questions or to receive a no-cost, no-obligation case assessment.
