1 Killed, Another Hurt in Modesto Crash on Highway 99

Christopher Graham Dies, Florinda De Laureano Injured in Traffic Collision on Highway 99 in Modesto

1 Killed, Another Hurt in Modesto Crash on Highway 99

Modesto, California: One person died, and another was hospitalized after a traffic collision that happened Thursday night in Modesto.

Authorities said the accident occurred just after 11:30 p.m. on southbound Highway 99, south of Pelandale Avenue.

The California Highway Patrol reported that 27-year-old Christopher Graham from Paso Robles was driving a Toyota sedan southbound in the No. 3 lane.

Authorities said for an unknown reason, Graham made an unsafe lane change into the slow lane next to him and hit a Volvo.

60-year-old Florinda De Laureano was driving the Volvo and lost control of her car, went off the roadway and through a cyclone fence, before coming to a stop on railroad tracks that run parallel to the highway.

Officers said Graham continued driving south after the collision but his car became disabled about a half a mile from the collision scene.

Graham exited his vehicle and attempted to get drivers to stop for him by waving his arms and even throwing rocks at vehicles.

As he walked into the slow lane, a Chevrolet pickup truck struck him.

Graham was pronounced dead at the scene.

De Laureano was hospitalized with minor injuries.

A 51-year-old Modesto man was driving the pickup truck and was not injured.