MODESTO, CA (December 1, 2025) — A pedestrian killed early Friday morning when struck by a car on Paradise Road in west Modesto has been identified. The Stanislaus County Coroner’s Office identified the victim as 54-year-old Eric Vielma of Modesto.
Accident Details: The Modesto Police Department reported that shortly before 12:30 a.m., a sedan was traveling east on Paradise Road near Leon Avenue when it struck Vielma. Officers and other emergency personnel responded and provided medical aid, but Vielma died from his injuries.
The Modesto Fire Department reported Vielma was stuck underneath the vehicle when emergency units arrived. Several firefighters and police officers lifted the car enough to extricate him. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
The driver remained at the scene and was cooperating with the investigation, according to an MPD social media post.
Investigation: The Modesto Police Department is investigating the collision. According to police, drugs or alcohol did not appear to be a factor in the incident.
Authorities have not released information about where Vielma was located on the roadway when he was struck or what led to the collision. Any witnesses are asked to contact Officer Justin Beverson at Beversonj@modestopd.com.
Legal Considerations: Pedestrian collisions that occur in the early morning hours raise questions about visibility, lighting conditions, and whether the pedestrian was crossing in a designated area. When a pedestrian becomes trapped underneath a vehicle, it indicates the force of impact was substantial.
Even when a driver remains at the scene and cooperates with investigators, and even when drugs or alcohol are not factors, families may still pursue wrongful death claims if the driver’s negligence contributed to the collision. Negligence can include excessive speed, driver distraction, or failure to maintain proper lookout for pedestrians.
California law requires drivers to exercise due care for pedestrian safety at all times. Pedestrians have the right to cross roadways, though they must use marked crosswalks when available and yield to vehicles when crossing outside designated areas.
Wrongful death claims in pedestrian cases compensate families for funeral expenses, medical costs before death, and the loss of their loved one’s financial support and companionship. The investigation’s findings about how and where the collision occurred will help determine whether the driver can be held liable.
Our condolences to the family and friends of Eric Vielma during this difficult time.
Source: The Modesto Bee