Runaway Tractor Kills Woman at Fruit Stand in Yuba County
MARYSVILLE, Calif. — A 56-year-old woman shopping at a roadside produce stand north of Marysville was struck and killed Saturday by a runaway farm tractor and trailer.
Jose Garcia, 50, of Marysville, a longtime employee of Bock’s Fruit Stand, had just delivered produce as the stand prepared to open for the day about 9 a.m., said Yuba County Undersheriff Steven Durfor.
When the tractor wouldn’t start, Garcia jump-started it with a screwdriver while standing alongside, Durfor said. The tractor, which was in gear and lurched forward as the engine caught, plowed through tables of fresh fruits and vegetables before striking the fruit stand.
Garcia jumped onto the tractor, but not before it struck and killed Linda DeWees of Orangevale, Calif., near Sacramento, Durfor said. She was pronounced dead at the scene.
Garcia was questioned, but no charges have been filed as the investigation continues, Durfor said.
The popular fruit stand is about seven miles north of Marysville along Highway 70.
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