Slater, CA – The Kern County Coroner’s Office has identified Luis Antonio Merced Jr., 35, as the driver killed in a single-vehicle rollover crash on the evening of Friday, July 11, 2025, a killed, according to KBAK.

The California Highway Patrol reports that the accident took place around 7:38 PM on northbound Highway 99, just south of Kimberlina Road.

Authorities say Merced Jr. was driving a 2002 Ford Escape northbound on the highway when, for reasons still under investigation, the vehicle veered off the roadway in a northeasterly direction. 

The SUV traveled across the dirt shoulder, became airborne after hitting the berm of the Kimberlina Road onramp, and crashed into the dirt gore point area. The impact caused the Ford to overturn.

Merced Jr. was ejected from the vehicle and landed on the south dirt embankment of Kimberlina Road. He died from his injuries at the scene.

No other vehicles were involved in the crash. The cause of the collision remains under investigation. It is not yet known whether drugs or alcohol contributed to the incident.

Single-Vehicle Collisions

In some cases, investigations may reveal that even in a single-vehicle accident, nearby drivers or unsafe road features share some responsibility. California’s Comparative Negligence rule means that, even if those injured in accidents are found partially at fault, they may still be eligible to receive partial compensation for damages.

Bakersfield Car Accident Lawyer

If you or someone you love was harmed in an accident like the one described here, contact a Bakersfield Car Accident Lawyer for any questions or to receive a no-cost, no-obligation case assessment.