The El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office has identified the couple killed in a single-vehicle crash Dec. 7 near Placerville, California. Truckee Meadows Fire Protection District Battalion Chief Ryan Rizzuto, 42, and his wife, Danielle, 41, from Reno died at the scene.
Their 11-year-old daughter and 8-year-old son were in the backseat of the Chevrolet pickup and survived the crash with serious injuries. Both were transported to Renown Regional Medical Center.
On Wednesday afternoon, a procession of emergency vehicles followed the vehicles carrying the Rizzutos’ bodies from El Dorado County past Renown, where both children are still being treated, and to a Reno mortuary.
California Highway Patrol said it took hours to get both children out of the truck because of the extensive damage from the impact.
The children attend schools in south Reno, prompting messages sent to families from the Washoe County School District.
“It is with a heavy heart I am writing to you today, as one of our students and their family were involved in a car accident over the weekend. We are heartbroken to learn of this tragic incident,” Depaoli Middle School Principal Kendra Carsen said in a note sent Monday.
“Our counselors are available to provide services and support at this time to our students, families, and staff members. We are here to support you.”
The crash happened on Highway 50 in Kyburz, a small town between South Lake Tahoe and Placerville, 90 miles from Reno.
The California Highway Patrol said speed may have been a factor in the crash, but the cause is still under investigation.
Truckee Meadows Fire Protection District released information about Rizzuto’s death on Tuesday without mentioning the cause.
“Our entire TMFPD family is grieving this unexpected loss,” the release said. “Our thoughts are with the family, friends, and colleagues of Chief Rizzuto. We ask the community to please keep them in your hearts and prayers.”
In January 2021, Rizzuto wrote on social media that he had been promoted to battalion chief.
“I am fortunate enough to be promoted to Battalion Chief. Lots of hard work put in and many new challenges to face,” he wrote. “I will definitely miss the engine but this is a great step forward.”
In a Facebook post on Oct. 1, 2021, Rizzuto talked about his wife.
“Happy 10 year anniversary to my wonderful wife Danielle Rizzuto. Great wife and Mother to our 2 monsters. Lots of adventures still to be had. Here’s to the next 10 years and more.”

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