Car struck a pedestrian near Tartan Place after exiting a bus, leaving one dead
April 17, 2026 | Bakersfield, CA
A 72-year-old Bakersfield resident lost his life in a tragic pedestrian incident in the northeast part of the city.
Authorities confirmed the details of the collision that claimed Patrick Harold McKendry's life.
What Happened in the Crash?
Patrick Harold McKendry, 72, died after being struck by a vehicle on Auburn Street near Tartan Place in Bakersfield.
Patrick Harold McKendry stepped off a bus and entered the roadway in the 5600 block of Auburn Street near Tartan Place just after 7 p.m. on April 17. An eastbound vehicle struck him, and he was declared deceased at the location by responding officials.
- Victim: Patrick Harold McKendry, 72, of Bakersfield
- Location: 5600 block of Auburn Street near Tartan Place, northeast Bakersfield
- Time: Shortly after 7 p.m., April 17
- Vehicle Involved: Eastbound car on Auburn Street
- Driver's Action: Remained at the scene
- Investigation Status: Active by the Bakersfield Police Department
The driver cooperated fully with investigators, who continue to examine the circumstances surrounding the fatal crash.
Why Do Pedestrian Accidents Like This Occur?
Pedestrian safety remains a critical concern across U.S. roadways, with preventable factors often at play. Distracted driving, poor visibility, and inadequate infrastructure contribute to these incidents.
According to the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA), pedestrian deaths surged in recent years, highlighting the need for heightened awareness.
Statistic |
Value |
Source |
|---|
Pedestrian fatalities in the first half of 2024 |
2,304 |
GHSA Report |
Common Contributing Factors |
Distracted driving, low lighting, and a lack of crosswalks |
Federal Highway Administration |
Projected Annual Pedestrian Deaths |
Over 7,000 |
CDC Estimates |
This table underscores the urgency of addressing pedestrian risks through better enforcement and urban planning.
Legal Insights
National legal analysts emphasize the importance of thorough investigations in pedestrian collisions to protect affected families.
“In most instances, pedestrians possess the right of way when crossing an intersection or a street regardless of if they are in a marked crosswalk,” said Candice Bond, managing partner at Bond Legal.
Bond stressed that road conditions, signage visibility, and lighting must be evaluated meticulously.
- Independent legal review can uncover overlooked details like environmental hazards.
- Families may pursue claims for economic and non-economic damages.
- Early attorney involvement prevents undervalued settlements from insurers.
“It is almost always a driver’s duty to yield to any pedestrian,” said Stefano Formica, of counsel with Bond Legal.
Formica explained that eligible families in such cases can seek compensation for lost income, companionship, emotional distress, and burial costs. He advised against rushed agreements with insurance providers, recommending strong advocacy for fair outcomes.
Newsline, owned by Belsito Communications, Inc., stands as a premier digital news platform with an unwavering commitment to journalistic integrity and editorial excellence. Our rigorous standards ensure accurate, timely reporting.
We invite readers to review our Corrections Policy for transparency, offering a 24-hour review guarantee on submissions via the Corrections Form.
(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).