Call or email us anytime
(805) 484-0333
Search Guide
Today is Wednesday, July 15, 2026 -

News Articles

Report: Conservation Corps Guilty of Serious, Willful Misconduct in Fatal Auto Accident

  • State: California
  • Topic: WEST
  • - Popular with: Legal
  • -  0 shares

The California Conservation Corps was found guilty of serious and willful misconduct for failing to follow safety protocols leading up to a fatal van crash that killed four in 2016, the Fresno Bee reports.

A workers’ compensation judge in Fresno ordered the agency to pay an additional 50% in benefits as required by Labor Code Section 4553, based on the finding.

On Feb. 2, 2016, a Conservation Corps van rolled through a stop sign and was hit by a semi travelling at least 50 miles per hour, the Bee reports. The accident killed Ronnie Cruz, 19; Serena Guadarrama, 18; Rhonda Shackelford, 20; and Justin Van Meter, 21.

A California Highway Patrol investigation reportedly found 11 of 15 seat belts in the van were either inoperative or unavailable. Corps members had also complained that van driver Nathan Finnell was driving recklessly.

Judge Geoffrey H. Sims said the California Conservation Corps did not follow its own safety protocols that would have required, among other things, the agency to use another vehicle on the morning of the accident.

No Comments

Log in to post a comment

Close


Do not post libelous remarks. You are solely responsible for the postings you input. By posting here you agree to hold harmless and indemnify WorkCompCentral for any damages and actions your post may cause.

Advertisements

Upcoming Events

Workers' Compensation Events

Social Media Links


WorkCompCentral
c/o Business Insurance Holdings, Inc.
PO Box 1010
Greenwich, CT 06836
(805) 484-0333