From Kim Minugh:
A 14-year-old from Orangevale was killed Sunday when the pickup truck he was riding in slid off snow-covered Interstate 80 near Blue Canyon and struck a tree, the California Highway Patrol says.
The victim, Jack Conner, died at the scene, a CHP news release states.
Paramedics used a hydraulic prying device to extricate the driver, 62-year-old Jess Valencia of Orangevale, from the 2003 Toyota Tacoma pickup. He was transported to Sutter Roseville Medical Center with minor to moderate injuries, the release states.
Valencia was driving west on Interstate 80 about 11 a.m. when he apparently lost control, the release states. The pickup spun, sliding off the road and down an embankment before striking the tree.
Valencia and Conner wore seatbelts, but the pickup's airbags did not deploy, the release states.
The CHP's preliminary investigation indicates excessive speed on a steep and snow-covered downhill grade caused the accident, the release states. Neither drugs nor alcohol are believed to have been factors.
After the collision, CHP's Gold Run area Commander John Arrabit reminded drivers to exercise caution while driving in inclement weather. Among his tips: Drive slower, leave more distance between you and the car you're following, allow extra travel time, and check your antifreze and windshield wiper blades before traveling in snow.
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