Juan Sigfredo Hernandez Melara Obituary, Death; Pedestrian killed in South Union Avenue crash identified.
Juan Sigfredo Hernandez Melara Obituary, Death – A 42-year-old man from Bakersfield who was struck and killed by a vehicle on Saturday night has been identified as Juan Sigfredo Hernandez Melara, according to the Kern County Coroner’s Office. The incident occurred on August 2, 2025, around 9:29 p.m. on South Union Avenue, just north of Taft Highway.
California Highway Patrol (CHP) officers were dispatched to the scene following reports of a crash involving a vehicle and a pedestrian. Upon arrival, they began investigating the circumstances surrounding the collision. Their initial findings revealed that a 34-year-old woman was driving a 2010 Honda Civic northbound in the number one lane on South Union Avenue. The vehicle’s speed at the time of the incident was not disclosed.
As Melara was attempting to cross the northbound lanes of South Union Avenue, moving westward from the east side of the road, he did so outside a marked crosswalk. This placed him directly in the path of the oncoming Honda Civic. Due to the sudden nature of Melara’s crossing, the driver of the Honda was unable to avoid a collision and struck him.
Melara suffered critical injuries as a result of the impact and was transported by emergency personnel to Kern Medical. Despite efforts to save him, he was pronounced dead at the hospital at 11:28 p.m. the same night.
The woman driving the Honda remained at the scene and fully cooperated with authorities during their investigation. She also sustained minor injuries during the incident and was taken to Kern Medical for evaluation and treatment.
According to statements from CHP, there was no indication that alcohol or drugs played a role in the actions of the driver. However, it remains undetermined whether Melara was under the influence of any substances at the time of the crash.
Investigators continue to review the details surrounding the collision, including Melara’s decision to cross outside of a designated crosswalk and the precise events leading up to the impact. The case remains open while authorities await additional reports, including toxicology results, if applicable.
The CHP encourages anyone with information about the crash to come forward as they work to complete their investigation and understand all the contributing factors to this tragic incident.
