James Bettiga Death – James Bettiga, 83, a resident of Sonoma, was identified as the individual who tragically lost his life in a tractor accident earlier this week in the wine country region. The incident occurred on a private property located in the 3500 block of Piner Road, near Willowside and Olivet roads, in a rural area surrounded by vineyards to the northwest of Santa Rosa.
Upon receiving a distress call from a family member at 3:52 p.m. on Monday, California Highway Patrol officers and emergency medical personnel promptly arrived at the scene. According to CHP Spokesperson David deRutte, it was reported that a tractor was involved in the accident and that the victim had unfortunately passed away.
Initial findings from the CHP’s investigation suggest that Bettiga was operating the tractor on the property when he disembarked from the vehicle and was subsequently struck by it. The tractor then rolled until it came to a stop against a metal building.
Following the discovery of Bettiga by a family member, emergency services were contacted without delay.