Lake County Authorities Identify Victim in Christmas Eve Semi-Truck Collision
The Lake County Sheriff’s Office has identified Frances Cline Novak, 76, of Clearlake Oaks, as the victim of a fatal Christmas Eve collision involving a semi-truck.
According to the California Highway Patrol (CHP) Clear Lake Area office, Novak was driving a 2000 Lexus RX3 along state Route 53, south of state Route 20 near Clearlake Oaks, when the incident occurred. Officials reported that Novak attempted a U-turn from the southbound shoulder, crossing into the path of a 2015 Peterbilt truck tractor driven by 57-year-old Javier Gomez Jimenez of Williams.
The semi-truck struck Novak’s vehicle broadside, resulting in fatal injuries. Novak was pronounced dead at the scene. The CHP confirmed that Gomez Jimenez was unharmed in the collision.
The investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash remains ongoing.
