Kyburz, CA – On the afternoon of Sunday, December 7, 2025, a single-vehicle collision resulted in two parents losing their lives and severely injured their two children, according to FOX40.
The California Highway Patrol reports that the accident took place around 3:11 PM near Highway 50 just east of Kyburz.
Authorities said the Chevrolet SUV had been traveling at high speed when it lost control, veered off the roadway, and struck a tree on the right-hand shoulder. The force of the impact caused the SUV to roll over and become heavily crushed, trapping all four occupants inside and resulting in catastrophic injuries to the family.
Responders noted that the victims were identified as Ryan Paul Rizzuto, 42, of Reno, and Danielle Marie Rizzuto, 41, also of Reno. Both were pronounced dead at the scene, while their children, an 8-year-old boy and an 11-year-old girl, suffered major injuries and required air transport to a hospital.
Authorities reported that multiple motorists pulled over immediately after the crash, with as many as ten vehicles stopping as bystanders tried to reach the trapped family before emergency crews arrived.
Fire personnel said the children remained pinned inside the wreckage for hours while crews worked carefully to remove parts of the crushed SUV, which had come to rest on its side with extensive roof damage.
Highway 50 was temporarily shut down to allow firefighters, paramedics, and law enforcement personnel to access the scene, including using the roadway in reverse to bring in emergency vehicles safely.
Officials requested a wrecker for the severely damaged SUV, and the extensive extraction and debris removal kept the highway blocked well into the evening.
The children were ultimately freed and transported for medical care as investigators began examining the scene to determine why the vehicle left the roadway. The cause of the crash remains under investigation.
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.
Single-Vehicle Collisions
In some cases, investigations may reveal that even in a single-vehicle accident, nearby drivers or unsafe road features share some responsibility. California’s Comparative Negligence rule means that, even if those injured in accidents are found partially at fault, they may still be eligible to receive partial compensation for damages.
Passenger Liability
Driver liability insurance covers both those outside the vehicle and passengers inside. While it can be emotionally difficult to file a Personal Injury or Wrongful Death claim against someone close to the victim, the financial challenges after an accident can be overwhelming. As a neutral third party, an experienced personal injury attorney can help navigate these emotional complexities.
California Car Accident Lawyer
If you or someone you love was harmed in an accident like the one described here, contact a California Car Accident Lawyer for any questions or to receive a no-cost, no-obligation case assessment.
