Fresno, CA – According to ABC30, 3-year-old Kendrixx Leavell of Hanford has lost his life following a collision with a stopped vehicle in the early hours of Sunday, May 17, 2026.
Carlos Sandoval Jr., 31, of Selma, was also killed, and an adult passenger was hospitalized with major injuries.
The California Highway Patrol reports that the accident took place around 2:25 AM on southbound Highway 41 north of Highway 180.
Authorities said Sandoval’s Toyota Camry was stopped in the middle lane with no lights on when a Kia Optima driven by a 33-year-old Fresno woman struck the rear of the disabled vehicle. Several drivers had reported near misses with the stopped Toyota prior to the crash.
Sandoval was transported to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead. The Fresno County Coroner’s Office formally identified him following his death.
Leavell, who was a passenger in the Kia, was wearing a seat belt but was not secured in a child safety seat as required by law. He sustained major, life-threatening injuries and was rushed to a hospital, where he died on May 20, three days after the crash.
The Fresno County Coroner’s Office confirmed Leavell’s identity following his death. An adult male passenger in the Kia was also hospitalized with major injuries.
Officers said Sandoval may have been under the influence of alcohol at the time of the crash and are awaiting the results of a toxicology report. The investigation remains ongoing.
Ongoing Investigations
Victims of traffic accidents and their families should be aware that authorities may fail to note or even misinterpret critical evidence at a crash site. One of the services that a Personal Injury Attorney can provide is to pursue follow-up investigations, which can reveal additional evidence to correct any errors made by previous investigators.
Personal Injury Claims & Comparative Negligence
Determining fault in a collision can involve multiple factors, and under California’s comparative negligence rule, several parties can share partial responsibility. Should evidence reveal that another party contributed to the injuries, victims may be eligible to file a personal injury claim with the responsible party’s insurance, which can provide compensation for medical bills and lost wages during recovery.
Fresno Car Accident Lawyer
If you or someone you love was harmed in an accident like the one described here, contact a Fresno car accident lawyer for any questions or to receive a no-cost, no-obligation case assessment.
