Bakersfield, CA – The Kern County Coroner’s Office has identified Zachariah Nathaniel Byrd, 36, as the pedestrian who lost his life in a hit-and-run collision on the morning of Saturday, May 3, 2025, according to KBAK.
The Bakersfield Police Department reports that the accident took place around 6:23 AM near the eastbound lanes of Westside Parkway at the Mohawk Street off-ramp.
Emergency personnel responded to the area after officers received reports of suspicious circumstances in the early hours of the morning. Upon arrival, police discovered remains and personal belongings scattered across a significant stretch of the roadway.
Authorities quickly determined that the incident involved a pedestrian who had been struck by a vehicle that fled the scene. The absence of a vehicle or driver prompted an investigation to locate the responsible party.
By the afternoon of the same day, police had located the suspected vehicle involved in the crash in the 7300 block of Stockdale Highway. Around 6:14 PM, officers arrested 51-year-old Tomice Lee Fryman Jr. Fryman was taken into custody on suspicion of felony hit-and-run causing death and driving with a suspended or revoked license.
According to court records, Fryman has a documented history of DUI convictions dating back to 2015 and 2021. At the time of the May 3 crash, his driver’s license had been suspended due to these previous offenses.
Police say Fryman contacted the Bakersfield Police Department hours after the incident and admitted to being the driver who struck Byrd. He reportedly drove home after the crash and later turned himself in.
Fryman has since been charged with multiple felony counts, including second-degree murder, vehicular manslaughter, hit-and-run resulting in death, and driving without a valid license.
He entered a not guilty plea in court and is currently being held on bail exceeding $500,000. His next court appearance is scheduled for August 19.
Hit-and-Runs and Wrongful Death Claims
The compensation provided by a Wrongful Death claim can financially support families grieving the loss of a loved one due to another person’s negligence. These funds can go toward hospital bills, burial expenses, and help support any dependents of the deceased.
In cases where the at-fault party escapes justice, families may still be able to pursue compensation through their own uninsured driver coverage. A personal injury attorney can offer guidance on what options they may have available and negotiate with insurance companies to ensure that victims receive the best settlement possible.
