DUI Honda rear-ended a Chevy Impal left passenger dead, driver hurt on McKinley Avenue
November 09, 2025 | Fresno, CA
One person died and two others suffered injuries in a suspected DUI crash early Sunday morning in central Fresno, authorities reported.
The Fresno County Coroner's Office identified the victim as 30-year-old Crystal Barrera of Fresno.
What Happened in the Crash?
Crystal Barrera, 30, of Fresno, died after a suspected DUI Honda rear-ended a Chevy Impala at Cedar and McKinley avenues.
A Honda traveling north on Cedar Avenue at approximately 1:45 a.m. rear-ended a Chevy Impala in the No. 1 lane near McKinley Avenue. The force pushed the Chevy through the intersection into the southbound lanes.
- Date and Time: November 9, 2025, around 1:45 a.m.
- Location: Cedar Avenue at McKinley Avenue, central Fresno, California
- Victim: Crystal Barrera, 30, passenger in Chevy Impala, died from injuries
- Chevy Driver: Adult male, seriously injured, hospitalized
- Honda Driver: Sustained moderate injuries, arrested on suspicion of DUI
Who Was Involved and What Are the Charges?
Crystal Barrera, a 30-year-old Fresno resident, rode as a passenger in the Chevy Impala when the Honda struck from behind. The Chevy driver, a man, received treatment for serious injuries at a local hospital. The Honda driver, who had moderate injuries, went to Community Regional Medical Center and faced arrest for suspected DUI. Authorities continue the investigation.
Why Do DUI Crashes Remain a Major Concern?
Impaired driving sharply increases the chances of deadly collisions. Even small amounts of alcohol or drugs impair coordination and reaction time.
Year Range |
Annual Average Drunk-Driving Fatalities (NHTSA) |
|---|
2012-2021 |
about 10,850 |
Source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
Legal Insights
“Drunken and drugged drivers are subject to criminal charges following an accident or collision that causes harm or kills another person,” explained Candice Bond, managing partner at Bond Legal. “Separate from criminal charges, the family of a victim may be entitled to compensation through a civil lawsuit against the responsible party.”
- Drunk drivers face criminal penalties in cases such as this
- Families may pursue civil claims for losses
- An attorney serves as an advocate to protect rights
“An incident is considered a wrongful death when either a person or entity commits a wrongful or negligent act resulting in a person's death,” said Stefano Formica, of counsel with Bond Legal. “When vehicle accident fatalities result from unsafe driving, aggressive or distracted driving, speeding, or driving under the influence, family members are usually left with the option to pursue a civil action against the responsible motorist.”
- Wrongful death claims cover medical bills, funeral costs, and emotional trauma
- Independent investigations determine blood-alcohol levels and other factors
- Civil actions hold reckless drivers accountable
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If you’ve been injured or lost a loved one due to a drunk driver, national legal analyst Candice Bond offers free consultations to guide you.
(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).