HANFORD, Kings County, Calif., Oct. 26, 2026 — A man died early Sunday morning, October 25, after a vehicle struck him near Hamilton Elementary School in Hanford and left the scene, according to the Hanford Police Department.
Officers were sent to the area of Leland Way and 9 1/4 Avenue around 8:30 a.m. Sunday after reports of a person down near the roadway, police said. Arriving officers found a man dead at the intersection with injuries consistent with being struck by a vehicle. No other cars were at the scene when officers got there.
Investigators later determined the crash actually happened earlier, between 6:20 and 6:40 a.m., well before it was reported. The driver did not stop, according to police, and the vehicle involved has not been recovered.
Police are looking for a silver Toyota RAV4 from roughly 2006 to 2008 with front-end damage. The case remains under investigation, and the victim's name has not been released.
Anyone with information about the vehicle or the driver is asked to contact the Hanford Police Department.
We are deeply sorry for the loss suffered by the victim's family.
More on Crashes in Hanford, CA
This pedestrian crash happened on Leland Way in Hanford, CA. We cover crashes across Kings County as they're reported, and you can browse the latest in our Kings County accident reports.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can drivers do to avoid hitting a pedestrian? Slowing down near schools and residential streets, scanning both sides of the road before intersections, and avoiding distractions like phones are key, especially in low light when pedestrians are harder to see.
What injuries commonly result from pedestrian crashes? Pedestrians struck by vehicles often suffer broken bones, head and spinal injuries, and internal trauma, since they have no protection against the impact.
What usually causes these crashes? Common factors include driver distraction, speeding, poor visibility at dawn or dusk, and failure to yield at crosswalks or intersections.
Does speed affect a pedestrian's chance of survival? Yes. Lower vehicle speeds give drivers more time to stop and reduce the force of impact, which significantly improves a pedestrian's odds of survival in a crash.
What to Do After a Pedestrian Accident in Hanford, CA
If you witness a pedestrian crash, call 911 immediately and avoid moving an injured person unless they're in immediate danger. Note what you can about the vehicle involved, including color, make, direction of travel, and any damage, since that information can be critical for investigators. If you're a family member seeking updates, contact the Hanford Police Department directly rather than relying on secondhand reports. Anyone with a connection to the vehicle described by police should come forward, even with partial information, as tips often help close these cases.
