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C ALI FORN IA’S OLDE ST NE W SPAPER
– E S T. 18 51
– Weekend Edition – FRIDAY, MAY 29, 2026
VOLUME 175 • ISSUE 43 | $1.00
mtdemocrat.com
2 dead, 2 injured SOME GAVE ALL in crash into river Shelly Thorene Staff writer
A woman and a young child died after a May 26 car crash on Highway 50, the California Highway Patrol confirmed. A 2024 Hyundai SUV traveling eastbound just past Ice House Road left the roadway on Highway 50 and crashed into the American River around 4 p.m. Tuesday, killing a passenger identified as Maria Fife, 35, of Tracy. The driver, Mathew Fife, 41, of Tracy and two boys, ages 5 and 11, sustained major injuries and were transported to Marshall Medical Center in Placerville. The 5-year-old boy died Tuesday night. CHP Sgt. Brian Samms said it was raining at the time of the crash and initial reports indicate the vehicle lost control in the curve and went down the embankment into the American River. ■ See CRASH, page A9
Mountain Democrat photos by Shelly Thorene
The El Dorado County combined Rifle Team fires a three-round volley at the 2026 Memorial Day ceremony at the El Dorado County Veterans Monument on May 25. On the left is Mac McAdams, 79, whose 41-year career included several branches of the military, and on the right is U.S. Air Force Airman 2nd Class (Ret.) John Muir, 85.
■ Memorial Day
tribute honors the fallen, those still carrying wounds
Courtesy photo
Residents who recently bought plants at Costco might have inadvertently brought home a glassy-winged sharpshooter. They’re asked to call the El Dorado County Department of Agriculture immediately.
Joseph Thuesen
Special to the Mountain Democrat
O
fficer in Charge Capt. Jack Babbitt, USMC (ret.). barked the command, “Call to attention!” promptly at 11 a.m. Monday, May 25, at the El Dorado County Veterans Monument as hundreds gathered for the 19th Memorial Day ceremony in Placerville. A bugle call followed and then the OIC commanded Sergeantat-Arms Sgt. Tyler Dennis, USMC, of the 12th Marine Corps
Pest hitches ride on Costco plants Silver Star mother Tiffany L. Andrews, left is comforted by Joseph Thuesen, ceremony host, USMC (Ret.). Her son, Sgt. Tyler Vargas Andrews, USMC, returned home with catastrophic wounds from a suicide bombing at the Abbey Gate in Kabul, Afghanistan in 2021.
PLACE ADDRESS LABEL HERE
■ See MEMORIAL DAY, page A8
Carla Hass
El Dorado County Chief Administrative Office El Dorado County Agricultural Commissioner LeeAnne Mila is advising residents to take precautions after the invasive glassy-winged sharpshooter was found on grapevines delivered to Costco stores throughout California. Residents who purchased grapevines or other plants at Costco between April 21 and May 26 should: • For all plants: Contact the El Dorado County Agriculture Department at (530) 621-5520 or email eldcag@edcgov.us immediately to schedule pick up of grapevines and/or inspection of other plants and receive guidance on how to prevent further spread and infestation of the glassy-winged sharpshooter. • For grapevines: place two garbage bags over ■ See PEST, page A9
Man missing in forest Local scouting and youth groups carry flags at the start of the Memorial Day ceremony at the El Dorado County Veterans Monument.
Guests attending the El Dorado County Veterans Monument Memorial Day ceremony stand as the Civil Air Patrol Squadron 85 Color Guard presents the colors at the start of the ceremony Monday.
Mountain Democrat staff A 60-year-old hiker has gone missing in Desolation Wilderness, the El Dorado County Sheriff ’s office announced. EDSO staff and Search and Rescue teams are still looking for Jason Coughran, who was declared missing on Memorial JASON COUGHRAN Day, May 25. Coughran is described as a white male adult, 6 feet, 2 inches tall and and weighing 150 pounds. He has brown hair, hazel eyes and an athletic build. Coughran was hiking into Desolation Wilderness from Fallen Leaf Lake and is possibly wearing khaki shorts. He was last heard from at approximately 4 p.m. on May 25. Anyone who ■ See COUGHRAN, page A9