Sacramento County deputy dies in Christmas Eve crash, wet weather appears to be factor

By Brandon Downs

A Sacramento County deputy died on Christmas Eve morning after he lost control on a wet road and crashed into a power pole, authorities said.

The California Highway Patrol said the crash happened a little before 6 a.m. on Franklin Boulevard, north of Point Pleasant Road. 

Authorities said the man was driving south on Franklin Boulevard at an unknown speed. The CHP said it appears the wet weather caused the driver to lose control, cross the oncoming lane and crash into a metal power pole. 

Despite life-saving measures, the CHP said the man died at the scene.

The Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office confirmed the victim in the crash was Deputy James Caravallo, a 19-year veteran of the department who was on his way to work at the time of the crash. 

“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 social media post. “Rest in peace, Deputy Caravallo. You will not be forgotten.”

DUI does not appear to be a factor, the CHP said.