According to a statement from the California Highway Patrol, on June 26, at approximately 1:20 p.m., Santa Rosa CHP officers responded to a traffic collision on River Road, east of Olivet Road.
John Dever, 72, of Santa Rosa was driving a silver Hyundai Santa Fe eastbound on River Road. Mark Rudd, 61, of Healdsburg was driving a white Ford Ranger westbound on River Road. A female driver of a white Honda CRV was traveling westbound to the rear of the Ford.
According to the statement, the preliminary investigation indicates Dever made a turning movement to the left and drove the Hyundai into the westbound lane. The front of the Hyundai collided with the left side of the Ford. The Ford came to rest on the right shoulder as the Hyundai continued eastbound. The front of the Hyundai collided with the left front of the Honda and both vehicles came to rest. The driver of the Honda was pronounced deceased at the scene.
As of June 27, the name of the deceased was being withheld pending notification of next of kin. Any inquiries regarding the identification of the deceased should be directed to the Sonoma County Coroner’s office.
According to the CHP, John Dever and his passenger, June Dever, were transported to Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital for minor to moderate injuries. Rudd was checked for injuries at the scene and was not transported to the hospital. The roadway was closed throughout the investigation and re-opened at approximately 4:45 p.m.
