Bakersfield, CA – On the afternoon of Monday, November 3, 2025, a collision involving a suspected DUI driver left an eight-year-old boy dead and his father hospitalized, according to KBAK.
The Bakersfield Police Department reports that the crash took place around 12:09 PM in the 1400 block of East California Avenue, east of its intersection with Haley Street.
Authorities said a black Nissan pickup truck traveling westbound on East California Avenue veered northbound off the roadway for unknown reasons. The vehicle broke through a fence and entered a parking lot on the northeast corner, where a food truck was operating. A man and his eight-year-old son were struck by the pickup. The child sustained life-threatening injuries, while his father suffered moderate injuries. Both victims were taken to a hospital, where the boy later died.
The Kern County Coroner’s Office identified the child as eight-year-old Xxavian Hernandez. A GoFundMe created in his memory described him as a bright, loving, and joyful boy whose smile and laughter deeply touched those around him. The fundraiser was established to assist his family with funeral and burial expenses.
Police said the driver of the Nissan pickup, 33-year-old Andres Serna, was determined to be under the influence of alcohol at the time of the crash. Serna sustained a minor injury and was taken to a hospital for treatment before being booked into the Lerdo Justice Facility. Because Serna has two prior DUI convictions, investigators added a murder charge in connection with the fatal collision.
The owners of the food truck, Mariscos El Cholo, announced that they would temporarily close their business out of respect for the victims and their families.
The Bakersfield Police Department continues to investigate the crash and asks anyone with information about the incident to contact the department.
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
Losing a loved one in a traffic accident is devastating, and the pain can be made worse by the financial strain that often follows. Medical bills, funeral costs, and the loss of income to support dependents of the deceased can leave families struggling. Filing a Wrongful Death claim against those responsible can provide compensation to help with these expenses.
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.
