Fresno County, CA – In the early hours of Friday, April 24, 2026, a suspected DUI collision resulted in the death of Wendy Rivera Gonzalez, 25, of Reedley, after a Dodge Challenger drove into the Friant-Kern Canal, according to KSEE/KGPE.
The California Highway Patrol reports that the accident took place around 11:25 PM on Jensen Avenue just east of Navelencia Avenue.
Authorities said the vehicle had been involved in reckless driving activity in a nearby dirt lot, which created dust and reduced visibility in the area. The driver, Alexander Alcocer, 22, then drove into the canal. Two male occupants were able to escape from the submerged Challenger, but Gonzalez, who was a passenger in the rear seat, was reported missing upon the arrival of officers.
CAL FIRE deployed a water rescue team, which located Gonzalez downstream. She was pulled from the canal and life-saving measures were performed before she was transported to a local hospital, where she was pronounced dead. The Fresno County Coroner’s Office formally identified her following her death. Alcocer was determined to be under the influence of alcohol and was arrested at the scene, facing charges including driving under the influence, causing injury and gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated. His bail was set at $260,000.
Efforts to recover the submerged vehicle from the canal continued into the following morning, with a diver and tow service coordinated for the retrieval. The Fresno County Sheriff’s Office was notified and responded in connection with the investigation. The investigation remains ongoing.
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.
Fresno Wrongful Death Lawyer
If you or someone you love was harmed in an accident like the one described here, feel free to contact a Fresno wrongful death lawyer for any questions or to receive a no-cost, no-obligation case assessment.
