Arnoldo Placencia was planning to celebrate his eldest daughter's 23rd birthday Thursday and to walk her down the wedding aisle in September. He and his wife, Alicia, talked about taking a big vacation for their 25th wedding anniversary in November.
But the father of five will never mark those family milestones.
Placencia, 49, was working in a construction zone in the Arden Arcade area of Sacramento County just after 1 a.m. Thursday when a driver struck and killed him, according to California Highway Patrol officials.
Nancy E. Richards, 26, of Sacramento, was driving 70mph when she veered into the construction zone at the intersection of Marconi and Howe avenues and hit Placencia, authorities said.
Richards also died in the crash.
CHP Officer Adrian Quintero said Richards' car continued westbound on Marconi and hit a flatbed truck after striking Placencia.
Quintero said an alcohol odor was detected on Richards, but investigators are waiting for a toxicology report to determine if she was driving drunk.
Placencia's family grieved for a man they said was a loving husband and father, caring brother, dedicated worker and devout Catholic.
"Everybody is in shock and dismay and devastated about the tragedy," said Placencia's 41-year-old brother, Oscar Ramirez. Placencia was the second of 10 siblings. He had five daughters of his own, the youngest 12 years old.
Choking back tears during a telephone interview, Ramirez said Placencia was the big brother who showed him the ropes, such as how to fix a car.
"He was always giving of his time, and always willing to lend a listening ear," Ramirez said.
Placencia was good with his hands and won awards for his body work and paint designs on cars, his brother said.
"He was very funny and very warm," said Veronica Potts, Placencia's cousin. "He'd give you a big bear hug. You can see the kindness in his eyes when he smiled at you."
Placencia had worked with Ahlstrom Construction for more than 25 years. His wife worried because of close calls on job sites in the past, so he was careful about his safety, according to the brother.
At the time of the accident, Placencia was on the overnight shift, supervising a crew working on contract with the Sacramento Suburban Water District. Ed Formosa, the district's assistant general manager, said the crew was locating underground utilities where a new water main will be installed. The construction site was properly lighted and marked with signage, Formosa said.
"It's important that when people drive in delineated construction zones to slow down," Formosa said. "We're very heartbroken about this incident."
Call The Bee's Chelsea Phua, (916) 321-1132.
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