Driver charged with manslaughter in fatal Albany freeway crash

ALBANY A driver suspected of causing alcohol related multi-vehicle collisions on Interstate early Friday that left a father of three dead was charged Monday with gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated and vehicular manslaughter with gross negligence according to court records and officials The charges were filed against Emmanuel Gonzalez Mendoza of El Cerrito in the death of Daniel Alejandro Oliva Morales of Oakland Gonzalez Mendoza who was arrested at the crash site was being held without bail at Santa Rita Jail He was scheduled for arraignment Tuesday morning The fatality happened about a m Friday on eastbound Interstate east of Buchanan Street not far from the connector to I- The California Highway Patrol alleged Gonzalez Mendoza was under the influence of alcohol while driving a Toyota Camry that initiated a series of collisions involving a big rig and a Hyundai Elantra driven by Morales The Hyundai ended up flying off the roadway and landing on its roof on Buchanan Street Morales died at the scene Gonzalez Mendoza was arrested at the scene Eastbound lanes of I- were closed for hours while the CHP investigated An online charity event for Morales declared he was a beloved father husband son and friend who was affectionately known as El Patojo and was a kind and friendly soul deeply loved by all who knew him Daniel leaves behind his wife and three young children In this time of unimaginable grief we are humbly seeking patronage to help cover funeral expenses and assist his family as they deal with this profound loss As of Tuesday morning had been raised toward a goal of Those wishing to contribute can do so at gofund me b fd c