Update: Krystal Cortez Seriously Hurt in Fatal DUI Crash on Highway 101 in Salinas

Krystal Cortez Severely Injured in Salinas Car Accident on Highway 101 near Laurel Drive

Krystal Cortez Severely Injured in Salinas Car Accident on Highway 101 near Laurel Drive

Salinas, California – The California Highway Patrol has identified Krystal Cortez, 38, as the woman severely hurt following a deadly DUI accident on Saturday afternoon in Salinas.

The collision occurred on southbound Highway 101, south of Laurel Drive.

Police said 77-year-old Virginio Cortez from Salinas was changing a tire of his silver Chevrolet Colorado pickup truck on the right shoulder while Krystal was standing near the pickup truck.

In front of the pickup was a maroon Nissan Altima halted on the right shoulder.

Reportedly, a black 2005 Acura TL operated by 24-year-old Jose Sanchez Jr. was driving in the number 2 lane when it swerved off the roadway and side-swiped Krystal.

The Acura drove south and hit Virginio before slamming into the pickup truck. The pickup then crashed into the Altima’s rear before it rolled onto its right side.

The Acura then spun and struck a white 2003 Honda Pilot operated by Miguel Narez, 29, from Soledad.

Virginio was declared dead at the scene.

Krystal sustained severe abdominal contusions and was rushed to Natividad Medical Center.

Narez and two young kids riding in his vehicle were not hurt in the accident.

Sanchez Jr. was hospitalized with moderate injuries at Natividad Medical Center. He was later arrested on suspicion of DUI.

An investigation is underway.