Sheriff’s Deputy Killed in ‘Freak’ Crash on Christmas Eve While Headed to Work

A California sheriff’s deputy was killed in a devastating crash on Christmas Eve as powerful winter storms drenched large parts of the state, with investigators saying wet road conditions may have played a role.

The Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that Deputy James Caravallo, a 19-year veteran of the department, died in a solo vehicle crash while driving to work at Rio Cosumnes Correctional Center early Wednesday, Dec. 24.

“Our hearts are with Deputy Caravallo’s family, and we ask the public to keep Deputy Caravallo’s loved ones and our Sheriff’s Office family in their thoughts and prayers,” the department said in a statement shared on Facebook.

According to the California Highway Patrol, the crash happened just before 6 a.m. local time near the intersection of Franklin Boulevard and Point Pleasant Road. Authorities said Caravallo’s vehicle struck a pole after crossing into an oncoming lane.

Investigators believe the stormy conditions may have caused Caravallo to lose control of his vehicle. Despite life-saving efforts, he was pronounced dead at the scene.

“This is one that is hard to swallow,” Sacramento County Sheriff’s Sgt. Amar Gandhi told local station KCRA. “Unfortunately, in this line of work we deal a lot with the dangers in line-of-duty deaths. This one is especially tough because it was a freak accident — simply on his way to work.”

Caravallo’s death came as relentless storms pummeled California throughout the week, contributing to at least three other fatalities statewide, according to multiple reports. Emergency crews also carried out dramatic rescues, including saving a woman swept into San Jose Creek and pulling a man from a drainage tunnel along the Los Angeles River.

In some areas of Los Angeles County, more than 11 inches of rain fell in a single night, overwhelming roadways and waterways. The National Weather Service later said conditions were expected to improve, with drier weather forecast after several days of intense rainfall.

As the storms intensified, Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency for Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego, and Shasta counties.

“California is acting early and decisively to do all we can to get ahead of dangerous winter storms,” Newsom said. “The state has pre-positioned resources, activated emergency authorities, and we are working closely with local partners to protect communities and keep Californians safe.”