Bakersfield, CA (March 16, 2024) – A tragic incident occurred in southeast Bakersfield on Saturday night, resulting in the death of a man and his horse after a collision with a vehicle. The Bakersfield Police Department (BPD) responded to the scene near the intersection of Alto Place and South Sterling Road around 11:35 p.m., where they discovered the man and horse with major injuries.
Victim Identified: The victim was identified by the Kern County Coroner’s Office as 46-year-old Jose Gelacio Mandragon Hernandez of Bakersfield. The cause and manner of Hernandez’s death will be released by the coroner at a later time. Following the collision, Hernandez was pronounced dead at the scene, and the horse was euthanized due to the severity of its injuries.
Collision Details: According to the BPD, a man driving a pickup truck in the 1300 block of South Sterling Road struck Hernandez, who was also traveling southbound on horseback. The driver of the truck remained at the scene and cooperated with law enforcement officials. Preliminary investigations suggest that drugs and alcohol were not factors in the crash.
Legal Implications and Community Safety: This incident highlights the importance of road safety for all users, including those on horseback. The investigation will likely examine the circumstances leading to the collision, including visibility, speed, and right-of-way considerations. While drugs and alcohol do not appear to be contributing factors, the case underscores the need for vigilance and caution when driving, especially at night. Depending on the details of the accident, the family of Jose may be able to file a wrongful death claim.
Call for Witnesses: The Bakersfield Police Department is seeking information from anyone who may have witnessed the collision or has relevant information regarding the case. Community members with knowledge of the incident are encouraged to contact the BPD at 661-327-7111 to assist in the ongoing investigation.
The loss of Jose and his horse is a somber reminder of the potential dangers on the road. My thoughts are with his family and friends during this difficult time.
Source: KGET