Fresno, CA – On the evening of Friday, April 3, 2026, a collision between a red-light runner and a suspected DUI driver resulted in the death of Ana Salcedo Jimenez, 44, of Fresno, according to KSEE/KGPE.
The California Highway Patrol reports that the accident took place around 6:30 PM at the intersection of Clovis and North Avenues.
Authorities said a Ford Expedition ran a red light at the intersection and was struck by a Mercedes-Benz traveling westbound on North Avenue. Jimenez, who was a passenger in one of the vehicles, was pronounced dead at the scene. The Fresno County Coroner’s Office identified her following the crash.
The driver of the Ford Expedition sustained moderate injuries and was transported for medical treatment. The driver of the Mercedes-Benz, identified as Wilmer Alvarez-Leiva, 23, was determined to have been under the influence of alcohol at the time of the collision. Alvarez-Leiva was arrested on a charge of driving under the influence.
The investigation remains ongoing.
Ongoing Investigations
Victims of traffic accidents and their families should be aware that authorities may fail to note or even misinterpret critical evidence at a crash site. One of the services that a Personal Injury Attorney can provide is to pursue follow-up investigations, which can reveal additional evidence to correct any errors made by previous investigators.
Stop Sign Laws
California law requires drivers to come to a complete stop at a Stop sign (California Vehicle Code 22450). Drivers may only enter the intersection when it appears safe for all parties to do so (California Vehicle Code 21802).
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.”
Passenger Liability
Driver liability insurance covers both those outside the vehicle and passengers inside. While it can be emotionally difficult to file a wrongful death 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 navigate these emotional complexities.
Fresno Wrongful Death Lawyer
If you or someone you love was harmed in an accident like the one described here, feel free to contact a Fresno wrongful death lawyer for any questions or to receive a no-cost, no-obligation case assessment.
