Porterville, CA – Authorities have identified 53-year-old Carol Paiste as the pedestrian who lost her life after being struck in a hit-and-run collision on the evening of Saturday, November 15, 2025, according to KSEE.

The authorities report that the accident took place around 12:00 AM near East Date Avenue and South Park Street.

Initial evidence suggests that Paiste had been walking along East Date Avenue when a Honda Accord struck her, causing severe injuries that proved fatal. According to investigators, the driver fled the scene, leaving her without immediate assistance. 

Police later identified the suspected driver as 51-year-old Juan Paul Jacinto Hernandez, who was located and arrested the following Thursday, November 11.

Family members said Paiste’s death has caused profound heartbreak, noting that she was a central figure in their lives as a mother of three and grandmother to twelve. 

As the family works to manage both the emotional and financial burdens that followed the fatal collision, they announced plans to gather donations to help cover the costs associated with laying Paiste to rest.

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.

Wrongful Death Claims

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 income.

California Pedestrian Accident Lawyer

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