UPDATE: The El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office Coroner Division has identified Ryan Paul Rizzuto, 42 years old of Reno and Danielle Marie Rizzuto, 41 years old of Reno as the victims of the fatal vehicle accident in Kyburz on Sunday, December 7th, 2025. The El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office sends its deepest condolence to the family, friends and coworkers of the Rizzuto’s.
KYBURZ, El Dorado County (Dec. 8, 2025) — Two adults were killed and two children were hospitalized with major injuries after a single-vehicle crash on U.S. Highway 50 just east of Kyburz on Sunday afternoon, according to the California Highway Patrol.
The CHP said the crash occurred shortly before 3:15 p.m. on Dec. 7, when an eastbound Chevrolet pickup left the south side of the roadway and struck a tree. The two adults — believed to be the children’s parents — were pronounced dead at the scene. An 8-year-old boy and an 11-year-old girl who were riding in the rear of the pickup were extricated by emergency crews and airlifted to a hospital with what authorities described as major injuries.
CHP investigators said speed appears to have been a contributing factor in the collision, though toxicology and a full collision reconstruction remain part of the ongoing probe. “Preliminary indications are that unsafe speed was a factor,” CHP officials said in statements released to local media. Authorities said there was no immediate indication of impairment but that standard post-crash testing will be completed.
Emergency response and road closures
First responders from El Dorado County agencies and the CHP worked for hours at the scene; crews had to use hydraulic tools to free the children from the wreckage. Highway 50 was temporarily closed in the area while rescue and investigative work continued and later reopened to traffic. Motorists in the area experienced delays and detours while crews worked.
The CHP said the identities of the deceased adults have not been released pending family notification. The agency is conducting a routine collision investigation that includes speed analysis, witness interviews and mechanical inspections. Anyone who witnessed the crash or has dash-cam footage of the area at about 3:00–3:30 p.m. on Dec. 7 is asked to contact the CHP Sacramento-area office.
Community members and motorists reported seeing several drivers stop to help at the scene before emergency crews arrived. Local hospitals and community organizations often set up family assistance and support in the wake of traumatic incidents; families seeking information about the injured children are advised to contact the hospital listed by CHP in follow-up advisories.
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~3:11–3:15 p.m., Dec. 7 — Pickup veers off eastbound Highway 50 near Kyburz and strikes a tree.
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Afternoon — Rescue crews extricate two children; two adults pronounced dead at the scene.
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Children airlifted to hospital with major injuries; investigation opened and highway temporarily closed.
