Driver to Face Charges in Passenger’s Death

A Rainbow man is expected to face charges for killing his passenger in a rollover, according to the California Highway Patrol.

Sometime Saturday into Sunday, Gregorio Ruiz, 46, lost control on Rice Canyon Road in Fallbrook. The 1989 Toyota pickup truck he was driving landed on its roof at the bottom of an embankment, according to officials.

Crews discovered the truck around 7:30 a.m. Sunday, with Ruiz and the deceased passenger trapped inside. CHP said the passenger was not wearing a seat belt.

Ruiz is being treated at Palomar Medical Center.

The passenger’s name won’t be released until his family has been notified, but he is described as a 52-year-old man from Rainbow.

Officials believe alcohol played a role in the crash.

Rice Canyon Road was closed for about five hours while crews investigated and removed the wreckage.