A woman was killed after being struck by a suspected DUI driver in central Fresno on Sunday afternoon, August 17, 2025.
According to the Fresno Police Department, the crash occurred around 3:00 p.m. at the intersection of First Street and Olive Avenue.
Authorities said the driver, 47-year-old Akinyele C., was traveling west on Olive Avenue when his vehicle went onto the curb, struck the pedestrian, and then hit a power pole. Police reported that as the vehicle re-entered the roadway, the victim was dragged into the intersection.
The pedestrian was identified by the Fresno County Coronerโs Office as 30-year-old Shante V. of Fresno. She was pronounced dead at the scene.
The driver was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence of a combination of drugs and alcohol.
The incident remains under investigation.
Contact Our DUI Accident Victim Lawyers In Fresno, CA
Collisions involving suspected impaired drivers can have devastating consequences, sometimes resulting in fatal injuries to those they strike. Families are often left with emotional loss, financial burdens, and uncertainty about how to move forward. Learning about the possible legal avenues may help you make informed choices during this difficult time.
Our DUI accident victim lawyers in Fresno can assist families after a fatal crash. This may involve reviewing official reports, preserving available evidence, and explaining the process of pursuing a wrongful death claim, depending on the circumstances. Early legal guidance may help provide direction and clarity during an otherwise overwhelming situation.
If you have lost a loved one in a DUI accident as a pedestrian, call our pedestrian accident attorneys at (888) 488-1391 or fill out our โDo I Have a Case?โ form for a free initial consultation.
What To Do After A Fatal DUI Accident In Fresno, CA
The aftermath of a fatal DUI crash can feel overwhelming. Taking the following steps may help protect your rights and preserve critical evidence:
- Contact Law Enforcement
Request the official police report from the Fresno Police Department. This report may include officer findings, witness accounts, and scene details. - Collect Important Records
Gather medical reports, the death certificate, and any documentation from first responders or the coroner. These may be necessary for legal or insurance matters. - Preserve Evidence
Keep clothing, personal belongings, and other items from the scene in their current condition, as they may hold evidentiary value. - Be Careful with Insurance Discussions
Avoid making statements or accepting early settlement offers before fully understanding your rights. - Consult DUI Accident Victim Lawyers
An attorney can explain potential legal options, assist with insurance matters, and help ensure that time-sensitive evidence is preserved. Many families also choose to consult accident lawyers in Fresno when a fatal crash involves factors such as reckless driving or an intersection accident.
DUI Accident Statistics
In 2022, alcohol-impaired crashes resulted in 13,524 fatalities nationwide. California experienced 1,479 deaths from alcohol-impaired traffic accidents during the same year. While the number of alcohol-impaired fatalities decreased slightly by 0.7% across the country from 2021 to 2022, the state of California saw a 1.8% increase in such fatalities over the same period. These figures highlight the ongoing concerns about impaired driving and its impact on public safety, emphasizing the need for continued efforts to reduce alcohol-related crashes and fatalities.