BAKERSFIELD, CA (October 23, 2025) — An 8-year-old boy, identified as Xxavien Lee Alvarez Hernandez of Bakersfield, died from injuries sustained in a crash involving an alleged drunk driver earlier this week in East Bakersfield. His father was also injured in the incident, which police say occurred when a pickup truck lost control and veered into a parking lot.
Accident Details: According to the Bakersfield Police Department, the collision occurred around 12:09 p.m. Monday in the 1400 block of East California Avenue, near Haley Street. Investigators said a black Nissan pickup truck traveling westbound left the roadway, broke through a fence, and entered a parking lot where a food truck was set up.
The truck struck a man and his young son who were in the lot at the time. Both were rushed to a nearby hospital, where Xxavien suffered life-threatening injuries. Despite medical efforts, he passed away the following morning at Valley Children’s Hospital. His father sustained moderate injuries and remains hospitalized.
The driver of the pickup, identified as 33-year-old Andres Serna, was determined to be under the influence of alcohol. Serna also sustained minor injuries and was taken to a hospital before being booked into custody. Police later added a murder charge due to Serna’s two prior DUI convictions.
Investigation: The Bakersfield Police Department continues to examine the sequence of events that led to the crash. Investigators are reviewing vehicle data, eyewitness accounts, and the layout of the scene to understand how Serna lost control of his truck. Officers have not indicated whether speed or roadway conditions played a role.
Court records show that Serna pleaded not guilty to charges of murder and DUI in Kern County Superior Court on Wednesday. He is scheduled to return for a hearing on November 14.
Authorities are asking anyone with additional information about the crash to contact the Bakersfield Police Department at (661) 327-7111.
Legal Considerations: Drunk driving collisions remain one of the leading causes of fatal roadway incidents in California, and repeat offenders can face severe legal consequences. In this case, prosecutors filed a second-degree murder charge, citing Serna’s prior convictions and knowledge of the risks of impaired driving.
Families affected by DUI-related deaths often face substantial emotional and financial strain. Civil claims may seek compensation for medical expenses, funeral costs, and long-term impacts on surviving family members. Criminal proceedings, meanwhile, aim to ensure accountability for those responsible.
Our thoughts and deepest condolences go out to the family of Xxavien Lee Alvarez Hernandez as they mourn this tragic loss and seek justice.
Source: KGET / BakersfieldNow