Lake Isabella, CA – On the afternoon of Friday, May 23, 2025, a single-vehicle crash on Highway 155 resulted in fatal injuries to William Edward Vickers, 85, according to KBAK.
The California Highway Patrol reports that the accident took place around 4:56 PM at or near French Gulch Creek on Highway 155.
According to authorities, Vickers was driving a white 2021 Ford Explorer westbound along Highway 155 when he failed to safely navigate a left-hand curve in the roadway. As a result, the vehicle veered off the road in a northwesterly direction, descending an embankment before overturning.
Emergency responders arrived at the scene and pronounced Vickers deceased. He was later identified by the Kern County Coroner’s Office. No other vehicles were involved, and no additional injuries were reported.
Preliminary findings suggest that the vehicle’s speed at the time of the crash was undetermined. Investigators continue to review the circumstances surrounding the collision, including environmental conditions and the possibility of a medical emergency or mechanical failure contributing to the loss of control.
The case remains under active investigation by the California Highway Patrol.
Single-Vehicle Collisions
In some cases, investigations may reveal that even in a single-vehicle accident, nearby drivers or unsafe road features share some responsibility. California’s Comparative Negligence rule means that, even if those injured in accidents are found partially at fault, they may still be eligible to receive partial compensation for damages.
