The long Thanksgiving holiday weekend was marred by a Sunday night fatal accident, near the intersection of Mariposa and Skiff roads, between Escalon and Collegeville. The crash occurred shortly before 5:30 p.m. on Dec. 1.

The San Joaquin County Coroner’s Office identified the victim as Kenneth Rocha, 77, of Oakdale. He was the driver of a 2011 Nissan, headed eastbound on Mariposa near Skiff.

According to the California Highway Patrol, Rocha was driving about 55 mph. A 2015 Ford was traveling westbound on Mariposa Road approaching the Nissan from the opposite direction at approximately 55 mph. A 2024 Mercedes was traveling westbound on Mariposa Road directly behind the Ford at approximately 55 mph.

The CHP report stated that, for unknown reasons, Rocha, driving the Nissan, crossed over the double yellow lines and entered the westbound lane of Mariposa Road, into the Ford’s path of travel. The front of the Nissan struck the front of the Ford head-on. The Ford began to rotate and the Mercedes then struck the Ford.

All three vehicles came to rest on their wheels. Those involved were extricated by fire department personnel and transported to San Joaquin General Hospital by ambulance. At 6:55 p.m. Sunday, said the CHP, the driver of the Nissan succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased.

Authorities said it was unknown if drugs or alcohol were a factor in the crash. There was no information available on the extent of injuries to the other motorists involved.