The fatal hit-and-run crash occurred near Yosemite Boulevard and Severin Avenue in Modesto.
MODESTO, CA, (June 20, 2025) -
An allegedly intoxicated driver who fled the scene of a deadly pedestrian crash early Sunday in Modesto has been arrested and booked into Stanislaus County Jail, according to authorities.
Eloy Sergio Diaz, 27, of Modesto, was taken into custody early Sunday in connection with a fatal pedestrian crash, authorities said.
The collision took place around 1:30 a.m. near Yosemite Boulevard and Severin Avenue. Eloy Sergio Diaz, 27, of Modesto, was driving a Toyota when he reportedly struck a female pedestrian. The victim was transported to a hospital, where she tragically succumbed to her injuries.
Diaz is now facing multiple felony charges, including DUI, hit-and-run, and vehicular manslaughter.
The case remains under active investigation.
CRASH INVESTIGATION NEEDED
Drivers under the influence pose a significant threat to pedestrians, often failing to obey traffic signals, crosswalks, and right-of-way laws. According to the California Office of Traffic Safety, alcohol-impaired driving claimed 1,479 lives in California in 2022—a 1.8% rise from 2021.
“In most instances, pedestrians have the right of way when crossing an intersection or street, whether or not a crosswalk is marked,” said Candice Bond, Managing Partner at Bond Legal and a seasoned pedestrian accident attorney.
Bond emphasized the importance of an independent investigation in cases like this: “Thoroughly reviewing the facts and available evidence is crucial to establishing fault and protecting the legal rights of the victim or their family.”
WRONGFUL DEATH CLAIM
Pending the outcome of the official investigation, the family of the pedestrian killed in this tragic accident may have grounds to pursue a wrongful death claim to seek compensation for the loss of love, companionship, emotional distress, and other damages.
“The stress and sorrow can be extremely overwhelming after losing a loved one in an accident,” said Candice Bond, Managing Partner at Bond Legal. “We understand just what families are forced to go through, and having their rights protected is vital. A wrongful death attorney will monitor the investigation and ensure the family’s legal rights and best interests are safeguarded throughout the process.”
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).