Three California Conservation Corps members killed in accident

Three California Conservation Corps employees, ages 18 to 21, died in a Fresno traffic accident Tuesday morning.

Serena Guadarrama of Fresno, 18, and Clovis residents Justin Vanmeter, 21, and Rhonda Shackelford, 20, were killed on their way to work. They had been with the corps just a few weeks, according to a press release from Gov. Jerry Brown’s office. Two other injured corps employees were sent to hospitals in Fresno and Visalia.

“Anne and I are deeply saddened by the tragic deaths of these California Conservation Corps members,” Brown said in the press statement. “These three individuals had just embarked on a year of service and had so much ahead of them. Our hearts go out to their families, friends and colleagues as they mourn this tremendous loss and our thoughts are also with the others injured today.”

Capitol flags will be flown at half staff in honor of the three fallen state employees.

This story was originally published February 2, 2016 at 5:49 PM.