Emergency crews were dispatched to the area of Ashlan Avenue and First Street after they were notified about a pedestrian collision just before 1 p.m. on March 3.
Fresno, CA – The Fresno County Coroner’s Office identified the pedestrian who was fatally struck by an SUV Tuesday afternoon at an intersection near Fresno.
The victim was 68-year-old Donald Burkes.
Emergency crews were dispatched to the area of Ashlan Avenue and First Street after they were notified about a pedestrian collision just before 1 p.m. on March 3.
The responders found Burkes with severe injuries. The pedestrian was pronounced dead at the scene after failed lifesaving measures.
A preliminary investigation revealed that, for an unknown reason, Burkes stepped into oncoming traffic near the bus stop when he was hit by an SUV.
Fresno PD is investigating the collision.
Recent data from Smart Growth America ranked the Fresno metro area as the 7th most dangerous in the nation for pedestrians, a significant jump from previous years. While the city recorded 33 pedestrian fatalities in 2024, provisional 2025 data through August showed 15 pedestrian deaths, suggesting a slight stabilization. However, pedestrians still account for a disproportionate number of severe outcomes on high-speed arterials like Blackstone and Shaw Avenues.
The California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) identifies that nearly 75% of fatal pedestrian crashes in the region occur after dark, often involving mid-block crossings on roads lacking sufficient lighting or sidewalks.
Seek Legal Help from a Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
If you lost a loved one in this pedestrian accident, you may have the right to seek compensation for the wrongful death of your family member. Our pedestrian accident attorney can help you in your pursuit of justice. Visit our wrongful death attorney page for more information.