Bakersfield, CA — 79-year-old Robert Henry has been identified as the pedestrian who lost his life in a hit-and-run collision on the evening of Friday, October 9, 2026, KBAK.
The Bakersfield Police Department reports that the fatal accident took place at approximately 10:18 PM in the 900 block of Brundage Lane at P Street, a busy commercial thoroughfare in Central Bakersfield.
According to investigators, Henry was attempting to cross South P Street at a marked crosswalk, although he may have been doing so against a red light.
A driver, later identified as 29-year-old Patience Ervin, had been traveling westbound on Brundage Lane and proceeded through a green light before striking Henry, but failed to stop at the crash site.
The impact resulted in Henry receiving severe injuries. Emergency responders provided him with transportation to a hospital for treatment where, despite life-saving efforts, he succumbed to his injuries. Henry was later identified by the Kern County Coroner’s Office.
Around thirty minutes after the fatal pedestrian crash, officers with the Bakersfield Police Department found and arrested Ervin on suspicion of hit-and-run resulting in death. She was booked into Kern County Jail. Excessive speed and driver intoxication are not believed to have contributed to this accident.
Bakersfield Fatal Pedestrian Hit-and-Runs and Wrongful Death Claims
California law expects drivers to exercise a heightened duty of care toward nearby pedestrians, including making every effort to avoid a collision, even if they might be crossing against a red light. Should a driver strike a pedestrian, drivers are required to stay with the injured victim, help them to find medical assistance, and cooperate with law enforcement. Failure to do so may be charged as a felony.
Regardless of the outcome of any criminal proceedings, Henry’s family may have grounds to pursue a wrongful death claim with Ervin’s insurance provider. A wrongful death claim can provide compensation for damages such as funeral expenses and the loss of companionship and support.
Bakersfield Wrongful Death Lawyer
If you or someone you love has been affected by an accident similar to the one described here near Brundage Lane and P Street, consider reaching out to a Bakersfield wrongful death lawyer with any questions and to receive a no-cost, no-obligation case evaluation.
