Loreto Ricardo Hernandez, Pedro Lopez Gomez Obituary, Death Cause – The Napa County Medical Examiner’s Office has confirmed the identities of all six individuals who died in a tragic crash over the weekend, according to the Napa County Sheriff’s Office. The victims were farmworkers from the Stockton area, traveling together in a minivan that collided with a tree last Sunday afternoon. The deceased have been identified as Loreto Ricardo Hernandez, 42; Fernando Silverio, 34; Aaron Ruiz, 39; Beymar Reynozo, 32; Demetrio Celerino Francisco, 39; and Pedro Lopez Gomez, 57.
Authorities reported that the driver, 53-year-old Norberto Celerino of Stockton, is facing multiple felony charges in connection with the crash. Prosecutors have filed six counts of gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated and an additional felony DUI causing injury charge, citing his prior convictions for driving under the influence. Celerino has a third DUI from over a decade ago; however, prosecutors noted that it cannot be used against him due to statutory limitations.
The crash occurred shortly before 6 p.m. Sunday on Pope Valley Road, northeast of Calistoga. California Highway Patrol (CHP) officials reported that Celerino veered off the road and struck a tree. The impact of the crash was catastrophic, killing all six passengers inside the minivan. Both Celerino and a surviving passenger sustained major injuries and were airlifted to trauma centers for treatment. As of Tuesday, both remained hospitalized.
In addition to the murder and DUI charges, prosecutors have included special allegations against Celerino, reflecting the severity of the incident. These allegations cite inflicting great bodily injury with a deadly weapon, the involvement of violence, cruelty, viciousness, or callousness in the acts, and that the crimes demonstrate an escalating level of seriousness compared to previous offenses. Additionally, prosecutors highlighted that Celerino was on probation at the time of the crash and reportedly failing to comply with the conditions of his probation.
The Napa County Sheriff’s Office emphasized the devastating impact of the crash on the families of the victims, who were all part of the local agricultural community. The six deceased were traveling together for work-related purposes, and their deaths have left a profound void in both their families and the broader Stockton farmworker community. Local leaders and colleagues have expressed sorrow and called for stronger awareness of road safety, particularly regarding the dangers of driving under the influence.
CHP and Napa County officials continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash, gathering evidence to support the prosecution and ensure that all relevant factors are documented. Authorities are also reviewing the actions leading up to the crash, including speed, road conditions, and the influence of alcohol.
This catastrophic incident serves as a grim reminder of the consequences of impaired driving. With six lives lost and additional individuals severely injured, the case is one of the deadliest DUI-related crashes in recent Napa County history. Investigators and prosecutors stress that they are committed to holding the driver accountable under the law and providing justice for the victims and their families.
