Fresno, California (March 3, 2026) — A 68-year-old man was killed Tuesday afternoon after being struck by a vehicle in central Fresno, according to authorities.
Police identified the victim as Donald Burkes.
The fatal crash occurred shortly before 1:00 p.m. near Ashlan Avenue and First Street, a busy intersection in central Fresno.
Incident Details: According to Fresno police, officers responded to reports of a pedestrian collision at the intersection of Ashlan Avenue and First Street.
When emergency crews arrived, they found Burkes suffering from critical injuries after being struck by a vehicle. Despite emergency response efforts, he was pronounced dead at the scene.
Authorities said the driver involved in the crash remained at the scene and cooperated with investigators. Officials temporarily closed the intersection while officers conducted their investigation and cleanup crews cleared the roadway.
At this stage, police have not released any additional details about the vehicle involved or the events leading up to the collision.
Investigation: The Fresno Police Department is investigating the circumstances surrounding the crash.
In pedestrian collisions occurring at major intersections, investigators typically examine traffic signal phases, pedestrian crossing locations, vehicle speed, and driver attentiveness. Determining whether the pedestrian was within a marked crosswalk or crossing outside of one can be a key element in understanding how the crash occurred.
Investigators may review surveillance footage from nearby businesses and traffic cameras, as well as witness statements, to reconstruct the events leading up to the collision. Officers will also likely examine roadway evidence such as impact points, debris patterns, and braking marks to determine vehicle positioning and reaction time. Because the driver remained at the scene and cooperated with authorities, investigators may also evaluate whether factors such as driver distraction, impairment, or visibility played a role in the crash.
At this time, police have not announced any citations or criminal charges. The investigation remains ongoing as authorities work to determine the precise cause of the crash.
Legal Considerations: Pedestrian crashes often involve complex questions about right-of-way and whether drivers exercised reasonable care under the circumstances. Under California law, motorists are required to remain alert and exercise due caution to avoid colliding with pedestrians, particularly in areas with frequent foot traffic.
Fatal pedestrian collisions also highlight ongoing safety concerns at busy urban intersections where vehicles and pedestrians share limited space.
Depending on the results of the investigation, the family members left behind by Mr. Burkes may be able to file a wrongful death lawsuit. This claim would allow them to seek compensation for their losses, including funeral expenses, stemming from the collision.
I offer my heartfelt condolences to Donald Burkes’s family and friends during this challenging time.
Source: ABC30 News; ABC30 News