Deputy James Caravallo, a 19‑year Sacramento County veteran, was killed in a single‑vehicle crash on Dec. 24 while en route to the Rio Cosumnes Correctional Center. The California Highway Patrol said wet pavement likely caused his vehicle to lose control and strike a pole just before 6 a.m. Caravallo was pronounced dead at the scene despite life‑saving efforts. The crash occurred amid severe storms that prompted a state emergency for six counties and led to multiple other deaths and rescues; the CHP investigation is ongoing.
Sacramento County Deputy Killed in 'Freak' Single‑Vehicle Crash During Christmas Eve Storm
Sacramento County Sheriff's OfficeSacramento County Sheriff's Deputy James Caravallo
The Sacramento County Sheriff's Office confirmed that Deputy James Caravallo, a 19‑year veteran of the department, was killed in a single‑vehicle crash on the morning of Dec. 24 while driving to work at the Rio Cosumnes Correctional Center.
Crash Details
The California Highway Patrol reported the collision occurred just before 6 a.m. local time at the intersection of Franklin Boulevard and Point Pleasant Road. According to a preliminary investigation, wet road conditions likely caused Caravallo's vehicle to lose control, cross into the oncoming lane and strike a pole.
Emergency personnel performed life‑saving measures at the scene, but Caravallo was pronounced dead at the site. The CHP said the investigation is ongoing as authorities continue to gather evidence and interview witnesses.
Context: Intense Winter Storms
The fatal crash came amid a series of powerful winter storms that battered California, producing multiple fatalities and dramatic rescue efforts across the state. Media reports and local officials described rescues that included a woman swept into San Jose Creek and a man trapped in a drainage tunnel along the Los Angeles River.
Parts of Los Angeles County measured more than 11 inches of rain during the most intense period. In response to the storms, Governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency for Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego and Shasta counties and said the state had pre‑positioned resources to help local partners protect communities.
Reaction And Investigation
"This is one that is hard to swallow and unfortunately in this line of work we deal a lot with the dangers in the line of duty deaths," Sacramento County Sheriff's Sgt. Amar Gandhi told local media. "This is a little more unique because it's one of those freak accidents. Simply on his way to work."
The Sacramento County Sheriff's Office asked the public to keep Deputy Caravallo's family, friends and colleagues in their thoughts and prayers as the department and community mourn. PEOPLE and local outlets have been in contact with the CHP for additional information as the probe continues.
