Salinas, California (April 11, 2026) — A 39-year-old man was killed Saturday morning in a vehicle-versus-pedestrian crash near Airport Boulevard and Mercer Way in Salinas, according to police.
Officials identified the deceased as Andres Ortiz Jacinto. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
The crash was reported at about 6:00 a.m. near Airport Boulevard and Mercer Way.
Incident Details: According to Salinas police, officers responded to the area after receiving a report of a crash involving a vehicle and a pedestrian. When they arrived, they found an adult man lying face down in the roadway. Authorities later identified him as Andres Ortiz Jacinto, 39. The reporting party, who police said was also the driver, remained at the scene.
Police said the female driver cooperated with investigators and was confirmed to be properly licensed and insured. Authorities also said impairment is not suspected. Public reporting has not yet provided additional details on how Jacinto came to be in the roadway or on the movements that led to the collision.
Investigation: In a crash like this, investigators will likely focus on visibility, lighting, speed, and the pedestrian’s exact location at the time of impact. Because the collision occurred around 6:00 in the morning, important issues will likely include what the driver could see, how much time she had to react, and whether roadway or environmental conditions played a role.
Investigators may also review witness statements, vehicle damage, roadway evidence, and any nearby surveillance footage to determine exactly how the crash occurred. Even where impairment is not suspected, and the driver remained at the scene, a fatal pedestrian case still calls for a careful reconstruction. These cases often turn on a few seconds of evidence that help explain whether the collision could have been avoided and whether any negligence contributed to the loss of life.
Legal Considerations: Fatal pedestrian collisions often raise serious civil liability questions even when the first public report is brief. A civil investigation can also help a family obtain answers that may not be clear from the first police reports alone. In a case like this, early preservation of evidence can make a real difference in understanding what happened and why.
If the investigation shows that the driver failed to keep a proper lookout, was traveling too fast for conditions, or otherwise acted negligently, the Jacinto family may have a right to pursue a wrongful death claim that could provide compensation for funeral and burial expenses, loss of financial support, love, and guidance.
I extend my most sincere condolences to the family and loved ones of Andres.
Source: KSBW