Fresno, CA – A 60-year-old unhoused woman killed in a pedestrian hit-and-run on Clovis Avenue on the evening of Saturday, November 9, 2024, has been identified as Wendy Lee Coffman, according to KSEE.
Coffman was attempting to cross Clovis Avenue in a wheelchair near Inyo Street when a white pickup truck struck her shortly after 5:30 PM. The driver fled the scene, leaving her injured in the roadway. A caller reported the collision to 911, describing the truck driving northbound away from the area.
Fresno Police Officer Luke Tran noted that Coffman was crossing outside of a designated pedestrian area. Emergency responders transported her to Community Regional Medical Center, where she later died.
Coffman’s daughter, Brittany Harris, shared that her mother had long struggled with mental health issues. She and her sister drove from Southern California to create a memorial for their mother at the scene. The display includes flowers, candles, and photos. Coffman, a mother of seven, is remembered for her resilience despite her challenges.
Her family is urging the driver involved to come forward. Fresno police are continuing their investigation and asking for tips to identify the vehicle and driver.
A GoFundMe page has been set up to assist Coffman’s family with funeral expenses.
Pedestrian Fatalities and Wrongful Death Claims
Drivers have a Duty of Care towards pedestrians, who are particularly vulnerable in traffic accidents. This responsibility includes being vigilant for pedestrians near the roadway and, if a fatal collision occurs, staying with the victim, alerting emergency responders, and cooperating with authorities investigating the crash.
For those who lose a loved one in a pedestrian accident, filing a Wrongful Death claim with the assistance of an experienced attorney can provide compensation for medical bills, funeral costs, and other related damages.
Should the at-fault driver avoid legal consequences, compensation might still be available through a family member’s uninsured driver coverage. Consulting with a personal injury attorney can help determine the best options in such cases.
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.
