St. Helena, CA – On the evening of Friday, July 18, 2025, a head-on collision resulted in the death of 10-year-old Aiden Kennedy and left another person with minor injuries, according to Bay City News, with additional reporting from CHP Fatal.
The California Highway Patrol reports that the accident took place around 4:46 PM near the intersection of Chiles Pope Valley Road and Barnett Road.
Authorities allege that Aaron Kennedy, 35, of Angwin, was driving under the influence when his vehicle collided head-on with another car while his son Aiden was in the front passenger seat. The child sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of the second vehicle received minor injuries and did not require hospitalization.
Emergency responders arrived shortly after the crash and closed the roadway for several hours to conduct an investigation and clear the wreckage. The Napa County Coroner’s Office was called to the scene, and transportation officials were dispatched to manage traffic.
Kennedy, who suffered non-life-threatening injuries, is recovering in the hospital but has been administratively booked into the Napa County Department of Corrections. He faces multiple felony charges, including gross vehicular manslaughter, DUI causing injury, child abuse, and driving without a license.
Prosecutors noted that Kennedy had two prior DUI convictions and now faces several sentencing enhancements, including having a passenger under the age of 14 and causing injury to multiple victims. Upon release from the hospital, he will be transferred to jail and held without bail.
The case remains under investigation by local authorities.
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. As a neutral third party, an experienced personal injury attorney can help to navigate these emotional complexities.
Bakersfield Wrongful Death Lawyer
If you or someone you love was harmed in an accident like the one described here, contact a Bakersfield Wrongful Death Lawyer for any questions or to receive a no-cost, no-obligation case assessment.
