Fresno County, CA – The passenger who lost his life in a single-vehicle collision on the night of Wednesday, February 5, 2025, has been identified as 36-year-old Ciriaco Santiago Gomez of Aberdeen, Washington, while the driver who fled the scene has been identified as 26-year-old Gerardo Lopez Perez of Oaxaca, Mexico, according to The Fresno Bee.
The California Highway Patrol reports that the accident took place around 7:45 PM on Manning Avenue, west of Hansen Avenue.
Authorities say a Honda Accord was traveling eastbound at high speed when the driver abruptly veered onto the right shoulder, crashing into several trees in an orange orchard before overturning.
The front-seat passenger, identified by the Fresno County Coroner’s Office as Ciriaco Santiago Gomez, died at the scene. Officials say the driver, later identified as Gerardo Lopez Perez, ran from the wreckage before emergency crews arrived.
Law enforcement, including a CHP helicopter and Orange Cove police officers, searched the area but did not locate the driver that night. However, authorities confirmed Lopez Perez later turned himself in to the Orange Cove Police Department. He now faces felony hit-and-run charges.
The crash remains under investigation, and officials urge anyone with additional information to contact the California Highway Patrol.
California Hit-and-Run Laws
California Law requires drivers involved in a collision to stop their vehicle, notify law enforcement, and exchange insurance information with others involved. Failure to do so, considered to be a “hit-and-run,” is a misdemeanor in cases of property damage and a felony when someone has been injured.
Passenger Liability
Driver liability insurance covers both those outside the vehicle and passengers inside. While it can be emotionally difficult to file a Wrongful Death or Personal Injury claim against someone close to the victim, the financial challenges after an accident can be overwhelming.
A skilled personal injury attorney can help families pursue proper compensation for their loss by handling these legal complexities and negotiating with insurance companies, who always try to reduce payouts on claims they cannot deny.
If you or someone you love was harmed in an accident like the one described here, feel free to contact Maison Law for any questions or to receive a no-cost, no-obligation case assessment.
