Sonoma Resident Identified In Fatal Tractor Crash

SONOMA COUNTY, CA — The Sonoma County Sheriff-Coroner's Office identified a man who died this week in a tractor crash in wine country.

James Bettiga, 83, of Sonoma, was pronounced dead Monday afternoon on a private property in the 3500 block of Piner Road —near Willowside and Olivet roads — in a rural area dotted with vineyards northwest of Santa Rosa, authorities said.

California Highway Patrol officers and emergency medical personnel responded when a family member called 911 at 3:52 p.m. Monday, CHP Spokesperson David deRutte told Patch.

"It was reported a tractor was involved and the victim was deceased," deRutte said.

The CHP's preliminary investigation indicated Bettiga was driving the tractor on the property when he exited the tractor and was struck by it. The tractor rolled until stopping against a metal building, deRutte said.

A family member found Bettiga and called 911.