Driver Killed in Freeway Plunge ID’d
A Los Angeles man who died when his truck plunged off the Golden State Freeway near Castaic last week was identified Monday by the Los Angeles County coroner.
On Sunday, the California Highway Patrol said the man’s body had been found near a wrecked pickup truck that had crashed in a ravine north of Templin Highway near Castaic.
Francisco Patila, 38, who was thrown from the truck, had been reported missing Wednesday.
He was released from jail in Fresno on Dec. 31, but authorities there declined Monday to say why he was being held.
Patila’s brother told police he last saw Patila on Dec. 30, CHP Officer Becky Lynch said.
The CHP has not determined the cause of the accident, which was reported Sunday by motorists passing through the area.
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