Missing father may be victim in deadly Napa County crash, family says
POPE VALLEY, Calif. (KGO) -- A Stockton family is desperate to find 41-year-old Loreto Ricardo, last seen going to work to pick grapes in Napa County on Sunday.
His daughter Jasmin and her family believe that Ricardo may have been in the Napa County crash that killed six people and left two hurt.
"Through social media, Facebook, Instagram. I found out that an accident happened and what my mother tells me, 'I think your father is dead,'" Jasmin said.
UPDATE: Injured driver in Napa Co. crash that killed 6 people charged with 6 counts of murder, DA says
Jasmin fought back tears while being interviewed Monday afternoon by ABC7 News partner Univision. She said she had a serious talk with her father when she last spoke with him.
"Forgive me for everything I've done, I love you. Know that your daughter is always on your side," Jasmin said.
MORE: Driver in Napa County crash that killed 6 people had 3 prior DUIs, records show
Jasmin says her dad had worked as a farmworker in the fields for at least four years.
The 53-year-old driver from Stockton, who CHP says is under arrest in the hospital, did survive. He has not been formally charged in this case, but has been prosecuted for DUI at least three separate times in 2010, 2020, and 2024.
PREVIOUS: 6 killed, 2 injured after car crashes into tree in Napa Co.; driver arrested for DUI, CHP says
Jasmin is praying that maybe her dad is the other survivor.
As painful as it may be, she says if he isn't alive, she has faith that he is with God, and their family wants justice.
Jasmin was asked what she would say to him if he could see her.
"I love him. Not only was it my father, but there were several who also have children and family," she said, referring to those in the SUV.
"I want to extend my deepest condolences to the families and loved ones who are now grappling with unimaginable grief," Napa County Supervisor Anne Cottrell said. "This is a tragic incident under such horrific circumstances. I trust that law enforcement and our justice system will conduct a thorough investigation and bring justice to the lives of those lost."
Editor's note: ABC7 learned on Tuesday, Sept. 9, one day after this story aired, Loreto Ricardo Hernandez was one of the victims. A GoFundMe page has been created to help with Hernandez's funeral expenses.
