Big rig driver could face manslaughter charges after fatal Fresno County crash

A 57-year-old man died Thursday in Reedley after his vehicle hit a semi-truck that pulled out in front of him, according to California Highway Patrol spokesman Mike Salas.

The semi-truck driver, identified as 45-year-old Jeremy Crank of Coarsegold, was not injured. He will likely face misdemeanor manslaughter charges, Salas said.

The dead man was identified as Gerald Richardson of Reedley.

The crash happened just after 4 p.m. at the intersection of Reed and Adams avenues. Richardson was driving a Ford Bronco north on Reed when the Freightliner began to make a left turn from southbound Reed onto Adams, Salas said.

The front of the Bronco hit the right side of the semi-truck. Investigators believe Richardson was not wearing his lap-only seat belt, Salas said.

Richardson was taken to Adventist Health Hospital in Reedley, where he died.

Drugs or alcohol do not appear to be factors, according to CHP. The crash is still under investigation.

This story was originally published December 5, 2019 at 6:23 PM.