Bakersfield, CA – According to KGET, the three victims of a fatal multi-vehicle collision on the evening of Thursday, April 23, 2026, have been named as follows:
- Sandra Lee Slaydon, 51
- Omar Zacarias, 49
- Silvia Reyes, 34
All of those killed were identified as residents of Bakersfield.
The Bakersfield Police Department reports that the accident took place around 6:45 PM at the intersection of Harris Road and Summer Springs Drive.
Authorities said three vehicles, a silver Toyota SUV, a silver Ford SUV, and a silver Honda sedan, were all traveling eastbound on Harris Road when the driver of the Toyota struck the rear of the Ford at a high rate of speed at the intersection of Summer Springs Drive. The force of the impact caused a secondary collision with the Honda. The crash occurred on a two-lane road in each direction with a posted speed limit of 45 miles per hour, separated by double yellow lines.
Zacarias and Reyes, who were occupants of the Ford SUV, were pronounced dead at the scene. Slaydon, who was driving the Toyota SUV, was transported to Kern Medical, where she was pronounced dead at 7:36 PM. Two male occupants of the Honda reported complaints of pain and were attended to at the scene.
Investigators have not determined whether the driver of the Toyota was under the influence at the time of the crash. Anyone with information regarding the investigation is asked to contact the Bakersfield Police Department. The investigation remains ongoing.
Comparative Negligence
California Law upholds the concept of comparative negligence, which allows more than one party to share blame in a personal injury accident. Injured victims may have their compensation reduced if they are found partially responsible.
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.
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.
