Reedley, CA (July 30, 2026) – Two elderly pedestrians lost their lives after a hit-and-run along Manning and Haney avenues in Reedley early Tuesday morning, July 28. The pair had been walking at about 4:40 a.m. when they were struck by a vehicle that did not remain on the roadway.
The people who died were identified as 75-year-old Luis Martinez Araujo and 78-year-old Maria Juarez Mendez. Emergency units arrived shortly after the call and found one woman unconscious but breathing while CPR was being performed on the other patient, according to radio traffic from the roadway.
Both were taken to a hospital, where they later died from their injuries. The driver left before help arrived and had not been located as of the latest update. Investigators also said there were no cameras at the immediate intersection that captured what happened. Anyone who witnessed the hit-and-run or has nearby surveillance footage is encouraged to contact investigators.
The cause of the fatal collision remains under review as investigators continue gathering evidence.
Our heartfelt sympathies are with the families and friends mourning this tragic loss.
Why Can Hit-and-Run Pedestrian Cases Take Time to Solve?
Hit-and-run cases involving pedestrians usually require investigators to rely on evidence beyond eyewitness accounts. Vehicle debris, tire marks, paint transfers, and nearby security recordings can all help identify the vehicle involved, even when no cameras are positioned directly where the pedestrian was struck. Information from nearby homes or businesses may also provide valuable leads.
Investigators may also review damage reports from repair shops or compare evidence with reports of vehicles that suddenly show front-end damage. Community tips tend to become a key part of these cases, especially when someone notices suspicious vehicle damage or recalls seeing a car near the roadway at the time of the fatal crash. As additional evidence is collected, investigators may be able to identify the driver and determine exactly how the collision unfolded.
