A man left in critical condition after a solo DUI crash in Claremont last week has died, according to police.

Found with severe head wounds after being thrown from his friend’s truck, the man was transported to the hospital on Saturday, December 2. While his health was reported to be improving as of last week, police were notified of his death Monday night.

Claremont police are working to amend counts against the driver, 27-year old Jesus Rodriguez of Pomona, to include vehicular manslaughter. Mr. Rodriguez was found to be driving with a blood alcohol content over twice the legal limit, according to police.

The deadly crash was initially reported by an employee of Claremont Toyota, where the drive came to a grisly end. Police found Mr. Rodriguez standing next to his truck, which was crashed through a chained-off driveway on the property. Mr. Rodriguez was unable to tell police what had taken place or where he was, according to Lieutenant Shelly Vander Veen. Police found his passenger unresponsive nearby.

After some investigation, police believe Mr. Rodriguez made a sharp turn after crashing through the barrier and Mr. Rodriguez’s passenger was flung from the truck to the ground because the side door was not fully closed.

Other counts filed against Mr. Rodriguez include driving under the influence and driving unlicensed.

—Beth Hartnett

news@claremont-courier.com