One man died and two others were injured in a single car crash in rural Paso Robles, the Highway Patrol said in a news release.
According to Lt. Darren Gennusa, at about 7:19 p.m. Sunday, May 10 CHP officers responded to a report of a crash on Nacimiento Lake Drive west of Frazier Road, in the foothills west of Paso Robles.
“Upon CHP arrival,” Lt. Gennusa said, “it was determined a 44-year-old male and Paso Robles resident, Joseph Mitchell Pate, was driving a 2015 Chevrolet Camaro westbound on Nacimiento Lake Drive at an unknown speed. For unknown reasons, the Camaro traveled off the north roadway edge [right hand side] of Nacimiento Lake Drive. Mr. Pate then turned left and over corrected, which caused the vehicle to travel across both traffic lanes, where it subsequently collided with a tree south of the roadway.”
A 48-year-old man, sitting in the back seat “succumbed to his injuries at the scene, “ Lt. Gennusa said.
A front seat passenger, identified as Matthew Garcia, 41 of Paso Robles, suffered minor injuries and the driver, Pate, suffered major injuries in the crash.
Pate was reportedly arrested on suspicion of drunk driving, which will likely be elevated to a felony charge because of the injuries and the death involved.
“Due to his injuries,” Lt. Gennusa said, “Mr. Pate was transported to Sierra Vista Regional Medical Center [in San Luis Obispo] for treatment.”
The name of the passenger who died in the crash was not released pending notification of next of kin. The CHP continues to investigate the crash, Lt. Gennusa said.
Nacimiento Lake Drive is the main road that leads to Lake Nacimiento, a popular North County recreational spot. The winding road through the foothills to the lake is always tricky but made more so if a driver has been drinking.
