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July 25, 2026

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FRESNO COUNTY

Bernard Anhelm dies in hit-and-run crash on Academy Avenue

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Sanger man was found between Fourth and Fifth streets

July 23, 2026 | Sanger, CA

Sanger police are investigating a fatal hit-and-run that left an elderly man dead on Academy Avenue early Thursday.

What happened in the crash?

police lightsBernard Anhelm, 71, of Sanger died after a suspected hit-and-run on Academy Avenue between Fourth and Fifth streets in Sanger.

  • Date and time: July 23 at approximately 5:30 a.m.
  • Location: Academy Avenue between Fourth and Fifth streets in Sanger, California
  • Victim: Bernard Anhelm, 71, of Sanger
  • Incident details: Anhelm was found lying in the roadway with injuries consistent with being struck by a vehicle
  • Outcome: Pronounced dead at the scene; investigation ongoing

Anyone with information is asked to contact Sanger police at (559) 875-8522.

Why do hit-and-run crashes occur?

Data from the Federal Highway Administration shows pedestrian and bicyclist fatalities remain a persistent issue in motor vehicle crashes. Nearly 65 percent of people killed in hit-and-run incidents involve pedestrians or bicyclists, according to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety.

StatisticSourceKey Finding
Pedestrian hit-and-run deathsAAA Foundation for Traffic Safety65% of hit-and-run fatalities
Response time impactFederal Highway AdministrationDelays in care increase fatality risk
Common crash factorsCDCSpeed, visibility, and driver behavior

Legal Insights

In cases such as this, having the proper resources is extremely important to investigate a motor vehicle crash and prove negligence.

“The driver always has to take great care behind the wheel.”

— candice bond, managing partner of bond legal

“A lawyer will stay updated on the official investigation and help ensure that the victim's legal rights and best interests are protected.”

— stefano formica, of counsel with bond legal

Key takeaways

  • Review what may have contributed to the crash
  • Locate witnesses and review insurance coverage
  • Protect family rights in the aftermath of a serious incident

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(This report is based on verified data - learn more on our About Us page.)

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If you or a family member has been affected by a similar incident, national legal analyst Candice Bond is available for a free consultation. Use the contact information provided on this page.

(Candice Bond, our national legal analyst, is a Managing Partner at Bond Legal. Newsline can and does use quotes from prior interviews with our analysts for our news articles. If you would like to contact Bond Legal to help you, please call 866-985-6515 or use the submission box found on this page. Legal analysts quoted may or may not be licensed in your state).

Tags: Latest News, Non Commercial, Pedestrian Accident, California, Academy Avenue, Fourth and Fifth streets, Sanger

The staff of Newsline would like to extend our thoughts and prayers to Bernard Anhelm and family

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