March 13, 2018 – On 3/12/18 at approximately 9:00 pm, Grass Valley resident Albert Silva was driving a 2007 Ford Focus westbound on State Route 20 approaching Harmony Ridge Road. Silva’s passenger was a 2 year old child, who was not restrained in an appropriate child safety seat. Silva allowed the Ford to travel off the north (right side) road edge and travel through a gravel shoulder.
In an attempt to correct the steering back onto the road, Silva lost control of the Ford and it overturned several times. The passenger was ejected from the Ford as a result of the collision.
Silva sustained major injuries and was transported to a medical center for treatment of his injuries. The passenger was pronounced deceased at Sierra Nevada Memorial shortly after the collision.
SR-20 traffic was diverted to Willow Valley Road for a short duration during the investigation. SR-20 was re-opened at 11 :05 pm.
Alcohol intoxication was determined to be a factor in this collision. Silva was placed under arrest and remains in custody during his medical treatment.