Three die in two fatal wrecks

Three people died in two separate fatal accidents in Calaveras County Wednesday and today.

Two people died in an accident near San Andreas late Wednesday afternoon, and at least one fatality was confirmed in a Highway 4 wreck this morning.

Michael G. Thein, 50, and Karen Lundy, 54, both of San Andreas, died in the first accident, which occurred at 5:45 p.m. on Gold Strike Road just south of Leonard Road.

According to the California Highway Patrol report, they were passengers in a 1993 Dodge driven by Matt Thein, 21, of San Andreas.

The report states he was driving south on Gold Strike Road at 60 mph when he saw a vehicle turn onto Gold Strike from Leonard Road in front of him.

The report said that becauseof his intoxication and unsafe speed, he turned into the northbound lane and slammed head-on into a 1999 Mercedes driven by Leah Montoya,30, of Copperopolis.

Matt Thein was transported to Doctors Medical Center in Modesto with moderate injuries and arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol. He was listed in fair condition this morning. Montoya was treated at Mark Twain St. Joseph's Hospital in SanAndreas for minor injuries, and a passenger in her car, Felicia Montoya, 10, of Copperopolis, suffered major injuries and was in intensive care today.

The second accident happened at 6:57 a.m. today on Highway 4 near Forest Meadows. It was still under investigation at press time, but one fatality was confirmed. The identity was not released.

According to the CHP report, a logging truck collided with at least one vehicle and the accident may have involved three or four other vehicles before it was over.

The eastbound lane of Highway 4 was closed, and traffic was backed up in the area. Drivers were advised to use Sheep Ranch Road as an alternate route.