Bakersfield, CA – In the early hours of Sunday, June 28, 2026, a suspected DUI collision resulted in the death of Gregory Lee Fraley, 63, of Bakersfield, and led to the arrest of Gavin Mundschau, 23, of Bakersfield, according to KBAK.
The Bakersfield Police Department reports that the accident took place around 12:06 AM at the intersection of California Avenue and Chester Lane.
Authorities said Fraley was driving a silver BMW southbound on Chester Lane when a silver Mazda driven by Mundschau entered the intersection westbound against a red traffic signal, causing the collision.
Fraley sustained severe injuries and was transported to Kern Medical, where he was pronounced dead at 1:30 AM. The Kern County Coroner’s Office formally identified him following his death.
Mundschau sustained injuries, was treated, and was subsequently arrested after officers determined he was under the influence of alcohol.
Mundschau faces charges of gross vehicular manslaughter, driving under the influence of alcohol causing injury, driving under the influence of alcohol with a blood-alcohol content of 0.08% or more causing injury, and traffic-related violations. He pleaded not guilty to all charges on June 30 and is due back in court on July 14 for a preliminary hearing.
The investigation remains ongoing.
Wrongful Death Claim
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 support for dependents of the deceased.
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.”
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.
