Delano, CA – In the early hours of Wednesday, July 8, 2026, a pedestrian collision resulted in the death of Ivan Garza, 25, a former Kennedy High School and Sacramento State football standout, according to KGET.
The Delano Police Department reports that the accident took place in the 2100 block of Glenwood Street.
Authorities said Garza was crossing Glenwood Street when a vehicle driven by a 32-year-old woman traveling northbound struck him. He was transported to a hospital, where he later died. The driver remained at the scene and cooperated with investigators.
Kennedy High School football head coach Mario Millan confirmed Garza’s identity. Garza played for the Thunderbirds all four years of high school, graduating in 2019, and was named First Team All-State for small schools and All-South Sequoia League in his senior year. He also competed in track and field and basketball. Garza went on to play three years of college football at Sacramento State as an offensive lineman, appearing in every game during his tenure and earning honorable mention All-Big Sky honors in 2022 after starting ten games at left tackle and three at right tackle.
Kennedy football’s social media page described Garza as showing that big things can come from small places, noting his heart was as huge as his size. A GoFundMe campaign has been established to help Garza’s family with funeral expenses and other financial burdens.
The investigation remains ongoing.
Delano Pedestrian Accidents and Wrongful Death Claims
California law requires drivers to exercise an extra duty of care toward pedestrians, who have a high likelihood of receiving serious, even fatal, injuries should a collision occur. Drivers are expected to remain vigilant and be prepared to yield when pedestrians are crossing the roadway.
Those who lose a loved one to a fatal pedestrian collision, like Garza’s family, may have the right to pursue a wrongful death claim. A wrongful death claim can provide the family with compensation for funeral expenses, loss of financial support, loss of consortium, and other damages related to the fatal accident.
Delano Wrongful Death Lawyer
If you or someone you love was harmed in an accident like the one described here, on Glenwood Street, contact a California wrongful death lawyer for any questions or to receive a no-cost, no-obligation case assessment.
