The young man was struck while waiting for a bus on Wednesday
NATOMAS, CA, (August 06, 2025) - A pedestrian was struck and killed by a suspected drunk driver Wednesday afternoon while waiting at a bus stop in Sacramento’s North Natomas neighborhood, authorities said. The crash happened at the intersection of Del Paso and El Centro roads around 3:15 p.m.
Ricky Rey Reyes Jr., 19, died Wednesday afternoon after being struck by an allegedly impaired driver in Sacramento’s North Natomas area, authorities said.
The Sacramento County Coroner’s Office identified the victim as 19-year-old Ricky Rey Reyes Jr.
Police said Reyes had just finished a tour at a local trade school and was waiting for a bus when he was hit. He also worked weekends at the Army National Guard Base in Sacramento. Reyes died from his injuries.
The driver was transported to a hospital. Authorities have not yet announced any charges. The case remains under investigation.
CRASH INVESTIGATION NEEDED
A driver under the influence risks their own life and the lives of others, especially the most vulnerable road users—pedestrians. Experts say all drunk-driving fatalities are preventable. Every 85 seconds, someone is killed or injured in a drunk driving crash, according to Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD).
Candice Bond, an experienced DUI accident attorney, was interviewed and provided her thoughts on incidents such as this one.
“Separate from criminal charges, a victim’s family may be entitled to compensation through a civil lawsuit against the responsible party,” said Bond, Managing Partner of Bond Legal and national analyst for The Legal Advocate.
“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.”
WRONGFUL DEATH CLAIM
Pending the results of the investigation, the family of Ricky Rey Reyes Jr. may be entitled to a wrongful death claim for medical and funeral expenses, loss of love and companionship, pain and suffering, and emotional trauma.
“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 Candice Bond, Managing Partner at Bond Legal.
“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 often able to pursue a civil action against the responsible motorist.”
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).