Driver arrested for DUI after fatal collision in Madera
October 06, 2025 | Madera, CA
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A 25-year-old man lost his life in a tragic pedestrian collision involving an allegedly impaired driver in Madera.
Paulino Vasquez, 57, faces charges of DUI and vehicular manslaughter following the incident near Yosemite and Elm avenues that claimed the life of Sebastian Reyna.
Sebastian Reyna, 25, died after being struck while walking near the intersection of Yosemite Avenue and Elm in Madera, according to police.
What Happened in the Crash?
Authorities report that Sebastian Reyna was attempting to assist an injured dog when he was struck by a vehicle shortly after 7 p.m. at the intersection of Yosemite and Elm avenues.
He was declared dead at the scene.
The driver, Vasquez was found to be intoxicated and was arrested on charges of felony DUI and vehicular manslaughter at Madera County Jail.
Reyna was known as a vibrant person who brightened every room he entered.
- Incident Date: October 6, 2025
- Location: Yosemite and Elm avenues, Madera, CA
- Victim: Sebastian Reyna, 25
- Driver: Paulino Vasquez, 57
- Charges: Felony DUI, vehicular manslaughter
- Outcome: Reyna deceased at scene, Vasquez arrested
Why Do These Accidents Happen?
Pedestrian collisions with DUI drivers frequently result from impaired judgment, delayed reactions, and irresponsible behavior behind the wheel. Factors like distraction, excessive speed, and not yielding to pedestrians contribute to these tragedies.
The tragic loss of Reyna highlights the severe risks associated with driving under the influence.
U.S. DUI and Pedestrian Fatality Statistics
Statistic |
Value |
Year |
Source |
|---|
Total pedestrian fatalities |
7,314 |
2023 |
NHTSA |
Percentage of pedestrian fatalities involving alcohol impairment |
40% |
2023 |
NSC |
Total deaths in alcohol-impaired driving crashes |
12,429 |
2023 |
NHTSA |
Daily deaths in alcohol-impaired driving crashes |
34 |
2023 |
NHTSA |
These statistics illustrate the persistent threat of impaired driving on public safety, as documented by reputable organizations such as the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the National Safety Council (NSC).
Expert Insights
Newsline features insights from national legal analysts to provide context on the broader implications of such incidents.
“Separate from criminal charges, a victim’s family may be entitled to compensation through a civil lawsuit against the responsible party,” said Candice Bond, Managing Partner at Bond Legal and a national analyst for Newsline. “In addition to the diligent work of law enforcement, an attorney can re-interview important witnesses, analyze any surveillance video from the scene of the crash and obtain phone and texting records of the liable party. Serving as an advocate, an attorney can help compassionately guide grieving families during this difficult time, protecting their legal rights while ensuring that drunk drivers are held accountable for their reckless actions.”
- Takeaway: Civil lawsuits can provide additional avenues for justice and compensation in DUI cases.
“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.”
- Takeaway: Families affected by DUI fatalities may file wrongful death claims to hold negligent 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).