The victim was hit at Herndon and Blackstone avenues, authorities say
FRESNO, CA, (January 26, 2025) - A suspected drunk driver fatally struck a pedestrian in Fresno Sunday night. The County Coroner's Office identified the victim as 45-year-old Gabriel Zarate of Selma.
Gabriel Zarate, a 45-year-old Selma resident, was struck and killed by a vehicle in the area of Herndon and Blackstone avenues in Fresno Sunday night, authorities said.
The incident happened at Herndon and Blackstone avenues shortly after 9:20 p.m., officials said.
According to a preliminary investigation, a vehicle traveling eastbound on Herndon Avenue crashed into Zarate in the number-three lane of Herndon. The Selma resident was rushed to the hospital, where he died as a result of injuries.
The driver who struck Zarate showed signs of intoxication. She was later arrested.
This is an ongoing investigation.
CRASH INVESTIGATION NEEDED
DUI crashes, most experts say, are 100% avoidable. Impaired drivers are a risk to everyone on the road, and can senselessly ruin people's lives.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), pedestrians are constantly in danger on U.S. roadways, with 67,336 crashes injuring pedestrians and 7,522 fatal pedestrian accidents in 2022 alone.
“In most instances, pedestrians possess the right of way when crossing an intersection or a street regardless of if they are in a marked crosswalk,” said Bond, Managing Partner of Bond Legal.
“It is always a driver’s duty to yield to any pedestrian.”
Bond, an experienced pedestrian accident attorney, noted that in cases such as this, it is imperative to have an independent probe conducted by a seasoned lawyer to help protect the rights of the victim's family.
WRONGFUL DEATH CLAIM
Pending the investigation, the family of Gabriel Zarate may pursue a wrongful death claim. Family members of wrongful death victims may seek damages for loss of companionship, pain and suffering, and emotional distress following a tragic or catastrophic accident such as this.
“The stress and sorrow can be extremely overwhelming after losing a loved one in an accident,” said Bond, who is also a national legal analyst for Newsline.
“We understand just what families must go through, and having their rights protected is vital. A wrongful death lawyer will stay updated on the official investigation and help ensure that their legal rights and best interests are protected.”
If you have been injured or a loved one has been killed at the hands of a drunken driver and would like a no-cost consultation, our national legal analyst Candice Bond is available for a free consultation to guide you.
(Candice Bond, our national legal analyst, is a Managing Partner at Bond Legal. Newsline can and does use quotes from prior interviews with our analysts for our news articles. If you would like to contact Bond Legal to help you, please call 866-985-6515 or use the submission box found on this page. Legal analysts quoted may or may not be licensed in your state).