The 12-year-old was struck by a Ford Mustang near Terra Bella Elementary School
August 31, 2026 | Terra Bella, CA
Jenessa Gonzalez, 12, was fatally struck Monday evening while crossing Avenue 95 near Terra Bella Elementary School by a driver suspected of being under the influence, the CHP said.
What happened in the crash?
Jenessa Gonzalez, 12, died after being struck by a westbound 2015 Ford Mustang while attempting to cross Avenue 95 near Road 238 in front of Terra Bella Elementary School.
- Date and time: Aug. 31 around 6 p.m.
- Location: Avenue 95 near Road 238, Terra Bella, CA
- Victim: Jenessa Gonzalez, 12, student at Carl Smith Middle School
- Vehicle: 2015 Ford Mustang traveling west
- Agency: California Highway Patrol
- Outcome: Victim died at Sierra View Medical Center
Alcohol is suspected as a factor in the incident.
Why do these accidents happen?
Data from the Governors Highway Safety Association shows 2,304 pedestrians were struck and killed on U.S. roads in the first half of 2024. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports 12,429 people died in alcohol-impaired driving crashes in 2023.
| Statistic | Source | Period |
|---|
| 2,304 pedestrian deaths | Governors Highway Safety Association | First half of 2024 |
| 12,429 alcohol-impaired deaths | National Highway Traffic Safety Administration | 2023 |
Legal Insights
In cases such as this, families may pursue civil action for compensation related to medical costs, funeral expenses, loss of companionship, and emotional trauma.
“Separate from criminal charges, a victim’s family may be entitled to compensation through a civil lawsuit against the responsible party. Serving as an advocate, an attorney can help compassionately guide a grieving family during this difficult time, protecting their legal rights, while ensuring that a drunk driver is held accountable for their reckless actions.”
Candice Bond, managing partner of Bond Legal
“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. When vehicle accident fatalities result from unsafe driving, aggressive or distracted driving, speeding, a hit-and-run, or driving under the influence, family members are usually left with the option to pursue a civil action against the responsible motorist.”
Stefano formica, of counsel with bond legal
The investigation remains ongoing.
(This report is based on verified data - learn more on our About Us page.)
Newsline - is your trusted source for legal news and accident reports, delivering timely updates to keep you informed.
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, Avenue 95, near Road 238, Terra Bella