Porterville man who died in Highway 65 head-on crash identified

A man killed early Monday when his vehicle slammed head-on into a big rig near Richgrove has been identified as Rogelio Rodriguez, 23, of Porterville, the Tulare County Coroner’s Office said.

The California Highway Patrol said he was driving a Jeep Cherokee north Highway 65 about 12:40 a.m. when his vehicle crossed the lane and into the path of the big rig coming in the other direction.

The big rig driver, James Chambers, 63, of Visalia, sustained minor injuries.

The CHP said alcohol didn't appear to be a factor in the collision, which is under investigation.

This story was originally published June 22, 2015 at 8:05 AM with the headline "Porterville man who died in Highway 65 head-on crash identified."