Justen Cordell Lay Obituary, Death; Coroner IDs bicyclist killed in Lamont after being hit by two vehicles.

Justen Cordell Lay Obituary, Death – The Kern County Coroner’s Office has officially identified the bicyclist who died in a collision on Buena Vista Boulevard as 42-year-old Justen Cordell Lay of Bakersfield. The tragic incident occurred on Friday, August 22, 2025, at approximately 8:26 p.m., when California Highway Patrol officers responded to a crash involving a bicyclist and two vehicles on Buena Vista Boulevard, west of Fairfax Road.

According to the preliminary investigation by CHP, a 48-year-old man was driving a 2007 Mitsubishi Endeavor eastbound on Buena Vista Boulevard at an estimated speed of 55 to 60 mph. Lay was traveling on his bicycle eastbound ahead of the Mitsubishi. Importantly, he had no lighting equipment, making him difficult to see during the hours of darkness. At the same time, a 28-year-old woman was driving a 2018 Hyundai Accent westbound, approaching both the bicyclist and the Mitsubishi.

CHP reported that the combination of low lighting and Lay riding directly in the path of the Mitsubishi prevented the driver from seeing him in time. The Mitsubishi driver was unable to take evasive action, resulting in a collision that struck Lay. The impact ejected Lay from his bicycle into the westbound lane, where he was then struck by the front left portion of the Hyundai Accent.

Lay was pronounced dead at the scene by first responders. Both vehicle drivers immediately stopped and remained on-site, fully cooperating with the ongoing investigation. No further injuries to the drivers were reported.

Authorities noted that alcohol and/or drugs appear to have been a factor in the crash, although details regarding which individuals may have been impaired were not released. CHP continues to examine the circumstances surrounding the incident, including speed, visibility, and potential contributing factors that led to the collision.

This tragedy highlights the inherent risks of cycling at night without proper lighting, particularly on busy roadways. The incident also underscores the dangers posed when vehicles and bicycles share the road under low-visibility conditions, with high speeds or potential impairment further increasing the likelihood of a fatal outcome.

CHP and the Kern County Coroner’s Office are urging motorists and bicyclists alike to exercise caution, follow traffic safety regulations, and utilize protective equipment such as lights and reflective gear to prevent similar accidents. Investigators are reviewing witness statements, vehicle data, and environmental factors to fully understand the events that led to Lay’s death.

The community has been left mourning the loss of Justen Cordell Lay, while authorities continue to piece together the full sequence of events. The investigation remains active, and CHP is asking anyone with additional information about the crash to come forward to assist in ensuring a complete understanding of this fatal incident.