DUI Suspect Marcello Gaytan, 60, Arrested after Pedestrian Crash with Couple at Chestnut, Hamilton ave near Fresno Pacific University

Fresno, CA — A 98-year-old woman has died, and an 82-year-old man is injured after a collision with DUI suspect 60-year-old Marcello Gaytan on Wednesday evening, January 22, 2025, according to ABC30.

According to the Fresno Police Department the accident took place around 5:50 PM at the intersection of Chestnut and Hamilton avenues near Fresno Pacific University. 

Officers responding to the scene found the driver of a Honda Odyssey van, identified as Gaytan, and the two injured pedestrians. 

Witnesses reported that the elderly couple was walking east across Chestnut Avenue near the south side of Hamilton Avenue when they were struck.

The woman was critically injured and transported to Community Regional Medical Center, where she was pronounced dead hours later. Her companion, an 82-year-old man, suffered a head laceration, a rib fracture, and a punctured lung but is expected to survive.

Gaytan was determined to be under the influence of alcohol at the time of the crash. He was arrested and booked into Fresno County Jail on multiple charges, including gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated, DUI, and enhancements for causing great bodily injury to victims over 70 during a felony.

The intersection was closed for several hours as detectives conducted their investigation. Authorities are urging anyone with additional information about the collision to contact the Fresno Police Department.

 

California DUI Law

Section 23153(a) of the California Vehicle Code (CVC) states that it is illegal for any driver to “Operate a vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs and, as a result, cause bodily injury to someone else.”

 

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. 

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.

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