Fresno, CA (May 3, 2024) — A vehicle struck two pedestrians near Fashion Fair in Fresno on Friday night, resulting in one death and a serious injury, according to Fresno police. The collision occurred at Cary Park, behind the baseball backstop. The deceased victim has been identified as 31-year-old Shaylee Henry.
Incident Overview: The incident began around 8:15 p.m. when Fresno police officers noticed a vehicle driving without its headlights on and attempted to pull it over. However, the driver failed to stop, leading to a brief pursuit that was ultimately called off by a sergeant. Despite this, the vehicle continued west on Santa Ana Avenue, through the Fashion Fair parking lot, before jumping the curb and striking two people in Cary Park at around 8:25 p.m.
Henry was declared dead at the scene, while a 30-year-old man was rushed to the Community Regional Medical Center in critical but stable condition. The suspect’s vehicle fled the scene, weaving through the parking lot and exiting into a nearby neighborhood before becoming wedged between a pole and a tree on Santa Ana Avenue and Thesta Street. Two male suspects fled the vehicle and remain at large. Anyone with information about the suspects is urged to contact Fresno police at 559-621-7000.
Investigation and Legal Considerations: The Fresno Police Department’s Collision Reconstruction Unit is investigating the fatal crash to identify the suspects involved. Based on the available information, gross negligence and reckless driving seem to have contributed to the Henry’s death and the other pedestrian’s injury. The family of Henry, as well as the injured man, could pursue legal action against those responsible to secure compensation for their losses, including funeral costs, emotional distress, and medical expenses. For Henry’s family this may be in the form of a wrongful death claim.
My heartfelt condolences are with Henry’s family and friends. Henry’s family has setup a GoFundMe to help with funeral expenses, so please provide whatever you can. I also wish a thorough recovery to the other pedestrian injured in this awful incident. I hope that the driver responsible is quickly apprehended.
Source: Fresno Bee