Nicolaus coach killed in Highway 70 crash
NICOLAUS (3/6/03) -- John Alex Johnston of Nicolaus died in a traffic accident on Highway 70 at Striplin Road, the California Highway Patrol reported Thursday.
The 69-year-old farmer coached East Nicolaus High School's junior varsity softball team. He reportedly was en route to meet his ballplayers when his Toyota pickup collided with a Sacramento-bound recycling truck about 3:30 p.m. Wednesday.
Team members were being counseled on the long-serving coach's death Thursday morning, a school spokeswoman said.
According to CHP reports, Johnston was eastbound on Striplin Road and approaching Highway 70 when he slowed, but did not stop, before entering cross-traffic.
Edward J. Franks, 39, of Sacramento was driving a loaded Volvo cargo truck southbound on Highway 70 when Johnston crossed his path. Unable to stop in time, Franks struck Johnston's vehicle on the driver's side, according to CHP reports.
The cargo container broke loose, spilling onto the highway. A northbound Toyota pickup driven by Lee K. Forbes, 55, of Marysville then ran into the container.
Johnston was pronounced dead at the scene. Franks' injuries were minor and he saw to his own care. Forbes was taken to Rideout Emergency Center in Marysville for treatment of moderate injuries, the CHP reported.
NICOLAUS (3/6/03) -- John Alex Johnston of Nicolaus died in a traffic accident on Highway 70 at Striplin Road, the California Highway Patrol reported Thursday.
The 69-year-old farmer coached East Nicolaus High School's junior varsity softball team. He reportedly was en route to meet his ballplayers when his Toyota pickup collided with a Sacramento-bound recycling truck about 3:30 p.m. Wednesday.
Team members were being counseled on the long-serving coach's death Thursday morning, a school spokeswoman said.
According to CHP reports, Johnston was eastbound on Striplin Road and approaching Highway 70 when he slowed, but did not stop, before entering cross-traffic.
Edward J. Franks, 39, of Sacramento was driving a loaded Volvo cargo truck southbound on Highway 70 when Johnston crossed his path. Unable to stop in time, Franks struck Johnston's vehicle on the driver's side, according to CHP reports.
The cargo container broke loose, spilling onto the highway. A northbound Toyota pickup driven by Lee K. Forbes, 55, of Marysville then ran into the container.
Johnston was pronounced dead at the scene. Franks' injuries were minor and he saw to his own care. Forbes was taken to Rideout Emergency Center in Marysville for treatment of moderate injuries, the CHP reported.
<< Home