A tragic collision in El Dorado County has ended in death and serious criminal charges, serving as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences that impaired driving can trigger in an instant.
On Sunday around 5:20 p.m., California Highway Patrol officers responded to a report of an overturned vehicle on Fairplay Road, north of Stoney Creek Road. What they found was a 1959 MG coupe—a vintage British sports car—flipped on its side. A woman who was a passenger in that vehicle was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver, David Dellaquila, 61, of Fiddletown, sustained minor injuries and was transported to Marshall Hospital for treatment.
During their investigation, CHP officers determined that alcohol was a contributing factor in the crash. Dellaquila was arrested and booked into the El Dorado County Jail on felony DUI and vehicular manslaughter charges. The identity of the woman who died has not yet been released.
This incident underscores a sobering reality that plays out far too often across the greater Sacramento region and beyond: one moment of impaired judgment behind the wheel can irrevocably alter—or end—someone else’s life. The victim, who was simply a passenger, had no control over the choices being made by the person driving. That disparity in power and consequence is what makes impaired driving not just a personal mistake, but a public safety crisis that demands continued vigilance and accountability.
If you witness signs of impaired driving on area roads, the CHP encourages you to call their non-emergency line or 911. Your report could prevent another family from experiencing the loss that this woman’s loved ones now face.
About the Author
Andrew Johnson
Andrew Johnson is a contributor to LocalBeat, covering local news and community stories.
