Fresno County, CA – In the early hours of Wednesday, September 30, 2026, a pedestrian hit-and-run in which DUI is suspected resulted in a woman losing her life, according to ABC30.
The California Highway Patrol reports that officers found the woman’s body on the right shoulder just before 5:00 AM near Central and Elm Avenues, though the crash is believed to have occurred a couple of hours earlier.
Authorities located a suspect at a home in Easton and took him into custody. Officers are still investigating what led up to the crash. No road closures are in place in the area.
The woman’s identity had not been released at the time of reporting. This is an ongoing investigation.
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.”
California Hit-and-Run Laws
California Law requires drivers involved in a collision to stop their vehicle, notify law enforcement, and exchange insurance information with others involved. Failure to do so, considered to be a “hit-and-run,” is a misdemeanor in cases of property damage and a felony when someone has been injured.
Fresno County DUI Accidents and Wrongful Death Claims
California law prohibits driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, and a driver who causes a fatal pedestrian collision while impaired may be considered to have committed negligence per se, increasing his share of liability for the resulting death. Fleeing the site of the accident could have similar legal implications.
Because the crash is believed to have occurred hours before the woman’s body was discovered, establishing the precise timeline and sequence of events will likely be an important part of the investigation, particularly in connecting the suspect to the scene. The woman’s family may have the right to pursue a wrongful death claim, which can provide compensation for funeral expenses, loss of financial support, loss of consortium, and other damages related to the fatal accident.
Fresno County Wrongful Death Lawyer
If you or someone you love was harmed in an accident like the one described here, near Central and Elm Avenues, contact a California wrongful death lawyer for any questions or to receive a no-cost, no-obligation case assessment.
