The Yolo County Sheriff’s Office has released the names of the seven people — including four from the Bay Area — who died in a massive explosion and fire at a fireworks storage facility earlier this month.
The July 1 explosion near Esparto leveled at least one building and ignited a 78-acre fire in an agricultural area.
The Sheriff’s Office identified the victims who died as Neil Justin Li, 41, of San Francisco; Christopher Goltiao Bocog, 45, of San Francisco; Jesus Manaces Ramos, 18, of San Pablo; Jhony Ernesto Ramos, 22, of San Pablo; Angel Mathew Voller, 18, of Stockton; Carlos Javier Rodriguez-Mora, 43, of San Andreas; and Joel Jeremias Melendez, 28, of Sacramento.
Authorities used DNA analysis to help identify the bodies and autopsies were completed Thursday. Their official causes of death are pending toxicology results, sheriff’s officials said. Two other people were hospitalized as a result of the explosion.
Deputy State Fire Marshal Kara Garrett earlier this week said the explosion remains under investigation and noted that California has some of the nation’s most strict pyrotechnic laws and regulations.
The tragedy forced several communities like San Jose, Cloverdale and St. Helena to cancel their Fourth of July fireworks shows since their pyrotechnic supplies were stored in the warehouse that exploded.
GoFundMe crowdfunding accounts have been set up on behalf of the families of some of the victims who died.
Bocog was described as “a loving partner but also an amazing father, son, brother, cousin, nephew, and friend.”
Jesus and Jhony Ramos were described as brothers who had just started working at the site, with it being the first day on the job for Jesus, who was a father-to-be.
Melendez was the father of an 11-month-old boy with a second child on the way, according to an account set up for his family.
Rodriguez-Mora’s family also has a GoFundMe campaign to help with expenses.
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