The collision occurred on southbound Highway 41 north of Highway 180 during the early morning hours of Sunday, May 17, 2026.
Fresno, CA – A 3-year-old child has died from injuries sustained in a two-vehicle crash on Highway 41 in Fresno earlier this month, according to the California Highway Patrol.
The collision occurred on southbound Highway 41 north of Highway 180 during the early morning hours of Sunday, May 17, 2026.
The Fresno County Coroner’s Office said a Toyota Camry, driven by 31-year-old Carlos Sandoval Jr. of Selma, became disabled and stopped in the middle lane of the freeway. Authorities said a Kia Optima, driven by a 33-year-old woman, later crashed into the rear of the Toyota while it remained stopped in the roadway.
Sandoval Jr. suffered major injuries and was taken to the hospital, where he died. A 3-year-old passenger in the Kia, identified as Kendrixx Leavell of Hanford, suffered major life-threatening injuries and was transported to a hospital, where he later died on May 20.
CHP said the child was wearing a seatbelt but was not secured in a child safety seat.
A male passenger in the Kia sustained major injuries and was hospitalized for treatment.
Investigators believe alcohol may have been a factor for Sandoval, and authorities are awaiting toxicology results. No arrests have been reported in connection with the Fresno crash.
California Highway Patrol officers and emergency medical personnel responded to the scene and assisted the injured victims.
The collision caused significant traffic disruptions along southbound Highway 41 as authorities conducted the on-scene investigation and cleared the damaged vehicles from the roadway.
The fatal Fresno crash remains under investigation by the California Highway Patrol.