Sacramento, CA – Authorities have identified 62-year-old William Andrew Akens, Jr. as the pedestrian who lost his life following a hit-and-run collision on the evening of Saturday, April 26, 2025, according to FOX40.
The Sacramento Police Department reports that the accident took place around 8:30 PM near the intersection of Lemon Hill Avenue and the 65th Street Expressway.
Responding officers arrived at the scene following a report of a pedestrian struck by a vehicle. Upon arrival, they located Akens lying in the roadway with severe trauma.
Emergency personnel attempted life-saving measures, but Akens was pronounced dead at the scene. Authorities confirmed that he was not transported to a hospital due to the extent of his injuries.
Detectives from the Major Collision Investigation Unit, along with crime scene personnel, responded to the location and took control of the investigation. A section of the 65th Street Expressway between Elder Creek Road and Lemon Hill Avenue was shut down for several hours to allow for evidence collection and scene documentation.
According to investigators, the driver of the vehicle involved fled the scene prior to the arrival of first responders. No description of the suspect vehicle has been made public, and no arrests have been reported.
Police are urging anyone who may have witnessed the crash or has surveillance footage from the area to contact the Sacramento Police Department’s dispatch center. The investigation remains active.
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.
Pedestrian Fatalities and Wrongful Death Claims
Drivers have a Duty of Care towards pedestrians, 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.
