Delano, CA – The Kern County Coroner’s Office has identified 24-year-old Oliver Campuzano Villalva of Tulare as the man who lost his life in a two-vehicle collision on the afternoon of Wednesday, May 7, 2025, according to KGET.
The California Highway Patrol (CHP) reports that the accident took place around 3:37 PM at the intersection of Cecil Avenue and Wallace Road, just west of the Delano city limits.
Villalva had been seated in the right front passenger seat of a 2004 Toyota Camry at the time of the crash. According to investigators, the Camry was traveling through the area when its driver failed to stop at a posted stop sign. As a result, the vehicle entered the intersection and collided with another car, leading to significant damage and injuries to the occupants.
Emergency responders arrived at the scene shortly after the collision was reported. Villalva was pronounced dead at the scene by first responders. The driver of the Camry, along with another passenger, sustained moderate to severe injuries. The driver of the second vehicle involved was also injured. All surviving individuals were transported to nearby hospitals for further medical evaluation and treatment.
The California Highway Patrol has stated that alcohol was determined to be a contributing factor in the collision. Investigators are continuing to examine the incident to determine the full sequence of events leading up to the crash. It is not yet clear whether any criminal charges will be filed, pending the outcome of the ongoing investigation.
Authorities are urging drivers to observe all posted traffic signs and to never operate a vehicle under the influence of alcohol or other substances.
California DUI Law
Section 23153(a) of the California Vehicle Code (CVC) states that it is illegal for any driver to “Operate a vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs and, as a result, cause bodily injury to someone else.”
Passenger Liability
Driver liability insurance covers both those outside the vehicle and passengers inside. While it can be emotionally difficult to file a Personal Injury claim against someone close to the victim, the financial challenges after an accident can be overwhelming.
A skilled personal injury attorney can help families pursue proper compensation for their loss by handling these legal complexities and negotiating with insurance companies, who always try to reduce payouts on claims they cannot deny.
Wrongful Death Claims
Even if a fatal accident doesn’t lead to criminal charges, families who lose a loved one can still file a Wrongful Death claim against the at-fault driver’s insurance. This can provide support to help cover medical bills, funeral expenses, and the loss of income.
