Bakersfield, CA – The Kern County Coroner’s Office has identified 27-year-old Randy Jason Munoz-Cruz of Porterville as the man who lost his life in a two-vehicle collision on the night of Tuesday, June 10, 2025, according to KGET.
The Bakersfield Police Department reports that the accident took place around 11:34 PM at the intersection of Union Avenue and East California Avenue.
Authorities say Munoz-Cruz was driving a Dodge Charger westbound on East California Avenue when a northbound white BMW allegedly ran a red light and struck his vehicle. Emergency responders transported Munoz-Cruz to Kern Medical, where he was pronounced dead.
The driver of the BMW, identified as 19-year-old Nathon Michael Ramirez, sustained moderate injuries and is receiving medical treatment. A male passenger in the BMW suffered critical injuries.
Police believe speed and impaired driving were contributing factors in the collision. However, Munoz-Cruz was not suspected of driving under the influence or speeding at the time of the crash. An autopsy will determine the official cause and manner of his death.
The incident remains under investigation. Ramirez has not been booked as of Friday morning.
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.”
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.
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.
