Rocklin resident killed in DUI crash

Matthew Jacob George, 19, of Rocklin, was killed in a solo vehicle accident on Saturday morning.The 2010 Whitney High School graduate was ejected from a Subaru Legacy driven by Jacinto Mendoza, 21, after it hit a retaining wall on the eastbound lane of Highway 50 near 65th Street shortly after midnight, reported his father, Lonnie George.Witnesses told California Highway Patrol officers that the vehicle appeared to be weaving just moments before smashing into the retaining wall.After the crash, Mendoza fled from the scene, but was later located near Power Inn Road.Paramedics responding to the scene found two children, under the age of 5, inside the vehicle as well as three adults.They were all transported to an area hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.Initially, Mendoza was charged with driving under the influence, hit-and-run and child endangerment. However, felony manslaughter charges were added when officers found George's body in a field near the railroad tracks off Highway 50 around 9:15 a.m.The Rocklin youth was not found earlier because it was so dark, CHP officers reported.Lonnie George described his son as "very, very outgoing and people-oriented.""He was willing to help anybody," Lonnie George said. "There were two little kids in the back seat. He probably offered to ride in the back of the hatchback without a seatbelt (for the safety of the children)."His son had attended school in Rocklin since second grade and was taking some time off before deciding on his career path, George said.The youth is survived by his parents, Lonnie and Kimberly George of Rocklin and his 25-year-old brother, Christopher.Candlelight vigils were held Monday and Tuesday evenings.Funeral services are pending.The CHP is urging anyone with further information about the accident to call (916) 681-2300.-- Staff report