MODESTO, Stanislaus County, Calif., Oct. 10, 2026 — One girl died, and another was left in critical condition after a vehicle struck them on Friday night, October 9, near Thomas Downey High School in Modesto. The Modesto Police Department said the two were crossing in a marked crosswalk on the 1100 block of Coffee Road when they were hit.
Officers were near the high school and reached the scene within minutes of the report, just before 9 p.m. They began CPR on the girls before paramedics arrived.
Both girls were taken to area hospitals. One later died from her injuries, police said. The other remains in critical condition; her condition has not been updated publicly since the crash.
Investigators have not released the ages of the girls or details about the driver. There were no signs that impairment played a role, though the crash remains under investigation. Coffee Road was closed at East Fairmont Avenue and Brighton Avenue for several hours while officers worked the scene. No further details, including possible citations or charges, have been released.
We are deeply sorry for the loss suffered by the victim's family.
Pedestrian Deaths by the Numbers in California
According to the California Office of Traffic Safety, pedestrian fatalities in California decreased from 1,213 in 2022 to 1,106 in 2023. That drop, about 9%, still left over a thousand families grieving a death that usually could have been prevented with slower speeds or better visibility at the point of impact.
Crosswalks are supposed to be the safest place for someone on foot to cross, but the data shows a sizable share of pedestrian deaths happen at or near marked crossings, particularly after dark. Drivers turning at intersections or approaching crosswalks with limited streetlighting have less time to react, and a pedestrian in dark clothing can be difficult to see until seconds before contact.
Speed is the variable that separates a survivable collision from a fatal one. At lower speeds, a struck pedestrian is far more likely to walk away with injuries rather than die at the scene or in a hospital. That gap widens quickly as speed increases, which is one reason cities with school zones and residential crossings post reduced limits during peak walking hours.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does vehicle speed affect whether a pedestrian survives?
Survival odds drop sharply as impact speed rises. Pedestrians struck at lower speeds are substantially more likely to survive with treatable injuries, while impacts at higher speeds are far more commonly fatal.
Where do most pedestrian crashes happen?
A large share occur at or near intersections and crosswalks, usually during turns or when a driver's view is blocked by other vehicles, parked cars, or poor lighting.
Are pedestrian crashes more common at night?
Yes. Reduced visibility after dark is a major factor, and a disproportionate number of pedestrian deaths nationally occur in low-light conditions on roads without adequate lighting.
What should a pedestrian do after being hit by a car?
If possible, call 911 immediately, stay as still as possible until help arrives, and seek a full medical evaluation even if injuries seem minor, since some internal injuries aren't obvious right away.
What to Do After a Pedestrian Crash in Modesto, CA
Anyone who witnesses or is involved in a pedestrian crash should call 911 right away and wait for police and paramedics rather than trying to move an injured person. Even seemingly minor injuries from being struck by a vehicle should be evaluated by a doctor, since adrenaline can mask pain from fractures or internal injuries in the hours after a crash.
Families of those involved should keep copies of any police report number and hospital records, as these documents are usually needed later for insurance or medical follow-up. If you saw the crash happen, reporting what you observed to Modesto police can help investigators complete their review.
Community members near Thomas Downey High School or along Coffee Road who have safety concerns about the crossing can raise them with the city's traffic engineering division, which reviews crosswalk and signal requests in areas with heavy foot traffic.
