A family from Tracy was killed last week when the car that they were riding in veered off of Interstate 5 near Roth Road and crashed onto nearby Harlan Road – killing three of the five passengers on scene.

The two remaining passengers were transported to a nearby hospital where they ultimately succumbed to their injuries.

The vehicle, a 1997 Toyota, was traveling northbound on I-5 when the driver made an unexpected motion that caused the vehicle to veer off of the roadway and crash into a road sign and a chain link fence before slamming into a tree.

Drugs and or alcohol is believed to a factor in the crash. The cause of the accident is still under investigation.

The driver, 33-year-old Nathaniel Clifton, was traveling with two other adults – 42-year-old Larinda Jones and 29-year-old Gina Jewell – as well as Phylis Clifton, 7, and Major Clifton, 1.

According to the California Highway Patrol, none of the passengers in the back seat were wearing seatbelts, and the two children were unrestrained.

“The effects of this tragic event are far-reaching and totally preventable,” the CHP said in a statement announcing the details of the accident. “This tragedy affects the families, the first responders and the community.

“Please be responsible – don’t drink and drive.”

According to statistics from Mothers Against Drunk Driving, a person is killed every 50 minutes in America as a result of a DUI collision. In California, over 21 percent of the 3,804 people that were killed last year in traffic collisions were involved in a DUI collision.

The couple leaves behind their oldest child – 9-year-old Nate Clifton Jr.

Brenda Williams, a friend of the family, has organized a GoFundMe to help cover the burial costs and provide for the 9-year-old boy that is now without a family. To access the fundraiser search “Brenda Williams” on GoFundMe – the title of the fundraiser is “Final Expenses Memorial Service.”

To contact reporter Jason Campbell email jcampbell@mantecabulletin.com or call 209.249.3544.