Fresno, CA – On the evening of Sunday, May 11, 2025, a hit-and-run collision involving a vehicle and a bicyclist resulted in fatal injuries to a 39-year-old man, according to KSEE.
The Fresno Police Department reports that the accident took place around 6:00 PM near the intersection of North Thesta Street and Belmont Avenue.
The victim, identified only as “Luis”, was riding a red motorized bicycle when he was struck by a dark-colored sedan. The driver fled the scene before emergency responders arrived. Luis was transported to Community Regional Medical Center, where he later died from his injuries.
A witness who called 911 and stayed with Luis until paramedics arrived described him as a man with dark hair, brown eyes, and a beard streaked with gray. He reportedly only spoke Spanish and remained conscious for several minutes following the crash.
The Fresno County Coroner’s Office is working to confirm Luis’s full identity and notify his family. Authorities are urging anyone who may recognize the description or believe they are related to the victim to contact the coroner’s office.
The collision remains under investigation. Surveillance footage and witness accounts are being reviewed to help identify the suspect, who was last seen driving east on Belmont Avenue in a dark-colored sedan.
California Hit-and-Run Laws
California Law requires drivers involved in a collision to stop their vehicle, notify law enforcement, and exchange insurance information with others involved. Failure to do so, considered to be a “hit-and-run,” is a misdemeanor in cases of property damage and a felony when someone has been injured.
Bicycle Fatalities and Wrongful Death Claims
Drivers have a Duty of Care towards bicyclists, who are particularly vulnerable in traffic accidents. This responsibility includes being vigilant for bicyclists with whom they share the road and, if a fatal collision occurs, staying with the victim, alerting emergency responders, and cooperating with authorities investigating the crash.
For those who lose a loved one in a bicycle accident, filing a Wrongful Death claim with the assistance of an experienced attorney can provide compensation for medical bills, funeral costs, and other related damages.
Should the at-fault driver avoid legal consequences, compensation might still be available through a family member’s uninsured driver coverage. Consulting with a personal injury attorney can help determine the best options in such cases.
