TEHACHAPI, CA (November 29, 2025) — A man died five days after being struck by a vehicle in the Tehachapi area. The Kern County Coroner’s Office identified the victim as 61-year-old John Burton Haasjes.
Accident Details: Haasjes was struck by a vehicle around 3:30 p.m. on November 9 in the 400 block of Tucker Road. Coroner officials said Haasjes was transported to Kern Medical where he died on November 14.
Investigation: Tehachapi officials said no other details are available at this time regarding the circumstances of the collision or the vehicle involved.
Legal Considerations: Pedestrian crashes that result in delayed death present particularly difficult circumstances for families who spend days hoping their loved one will recover. When victims survive the initial impact but succumb to injuries days later, it reflects the severity of trauma sustained in the collision.
The lack of available information makes it unclear whether the driver remained at the scene, whether any citations were issued, or what factors contributed to Haasjes being struck. These details are essential for families seeking to understand what happened and whether the driver can be held accountable.
California pedestrian accident cases often hinge on where the pedestrian was located, whether they were crossing in a marked crosswalk, and whether the driver had adequate opportunity to see and avoid the pedestrian. Driver negligence such as speeding, distraction, or failure to yield can support wrongful death claims.
Families pursuing wrongful death claims in pedestrian cases can seek compensation for medical treatment provided before death, funeral and burial expenses, lost income and support, and loss of companionship. When a victim spends days in the hospital before dying, medical bills can be substantial and add to the family’s financial burden.
As more information becomes available about how this collision occurred, Haasjes’s family will be better positioned to understand their legal options.
Our condolences to the family and friends of John Burton Haasjes as they mourn his passing.
Source: KGET