The 52-year-old was hit while attempting to assist the crash victims, authorities say
SUSANVILLE, CA, (January 30, 2025) - On Thursday around 5:41 a.m., a driver pulled over along Highway 395 near Susanville to render aid to the victims of a head-on collision. Tragically, the good Samaritan was struck and killed by another vehicle on the highway.
Steven Ray Bresolin, 52, from Susanville, was struck and killed by a vehicle along Highway 395 near Susanville early Thursday, according to the sheriff's office.
The tragedy unfolded along Highway 395 just south of the Bass Hill landfill, per the California Highway Patrol.
According to preliminary findings, a grey Dodge Durango was traveling southbound on Highway 395 just south of the Bass Hill landfill around 5:40 a.m. when its driver—a 46-year-old from Susanville—attempted to pass a semi-truck. While doing so, the Dodge's driver crashed head-on into a Toyota 4Runner in the opposite lane. Tragically, both drivers died from injuries, the sheriff's office said.
Shortly after the initial collision, Steven Ray Bresolin, 52, also from Susanville, stopped to help. Sadly, Bresolin was fatally struck by another car.
The CHP says an investigation is underway.
CRASH INVESTIGATION NEEDED
No state has more pedestrian deaths on its roadways than California. According to the California Office of Traffic Safety (COTS), in 2018, around 893 pedestrians were killed on California roadways, a 26% increase from 2014.
“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 results of the investigation, the family members of Steven Ray Bresolin may be entitled to a wrongful death claim for the loss of love and companionship.
“The stress and sorrow can be extremely overwhelming after losing a loved one in an accident,” said Bond, a national legal analyst for Newsline.
“A wrongful death lawyer will stay updated on the official investigation and help ensure that the victim's legal rights and best interests are protected.”
Have you been in a similar accident and need help? Speak to Newsline's national legal analyst Candice Bond now free of charge for a no-obligation consultation
(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).