Fresno, CA (May 18, 2024) – A tragic vehicle crash on Saturday night resulted in the death of a Texas missionary and led to the arrest of a Madera man on suspicion of driving under the influence, according to the California Highway Patrol (CHP).
Incident Overview: The collision occurred around 8:30 p.m. near the intersection of Highway 41 and Manning Avenue, south of Easton. CHP officers reported to the scene of a three-car accident where a Ford F250 pickup truck rear-ended a Nissan Sentra and a Chevrolet Camaro that were both stopped at a red light.
The impact was severe enough to push the Sentra into the Camaro. Mary Hardin, 65, from Helotes, Texas, who was driving the Sentra, sustained fatal injuries and died at the scene. Her husband, Paul Hardin, 69, was the passenger and suffered major injuries. The couple were in Fresno serving as missionaries with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. The driver of the Camaro, Mark Anthony Rivera, 31, of Fresno, received minor injuries.
David Alvarado, 54, of Madera, was identified as the driver of the F250. He also sustained minor injuries and was taken along with the others to an area hospital for treatment. However, he was arrested and booked on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol
Legal Implications: This case highlights the severe consequences of driving under the influence, which not only endangers the life of the drunk driver, but also the lives of others on the road. The family of Mary Hardin may pursue a wrongful death claim to seek compensation for the loss of life, emotional distress, and other damages resulting from this tragic incident.
My thoughts are with the family and friends of Mary Hardin, and I hope for a swift recovery for her husband, Paul Hardin, and Mark Anthony Rivera.
Source: KSEE