Fresno, California – The Fresno County Coroner’s Office has identified the two men who tragically lost their lives in an early morning crash on Wednesday, August 21, 2024. The victims have been named as 27-year-old Christopher Fernandez and 22-year-old Miguel Ramirez Jr., both residents of Fresno.
The accident occurred shortly before 1 a.m. at the intersection of Belmont and Westlawn avenues. According to the California Highway Patrol (CHP), the incident involved a dune buggy, driven by Ramirez, and a semi-truck traveling eastbound on Belmont. The CHP reports that the dune buggy, which was being operated without headlights, collided with the semi-truck at an intersection where Belmont does not have a stop sign, but Westlawn does. The lack of street lighting on Westlawn further contributed to the severity of the crash.
Both Fernandez and Ramirez were declared dead at the scene. The dune buggy was also noted to be non-street-legal, raising concerns about the dangers of operating such vehicles on public roads. Authorities are still investigating the incident and have not yet determined whether drugs or alcohol were factors in the crash.
This tragic accident underscores the risks associated with driving non-compliant vehicles and the importance of following traffic safety regulations. As the investigation continues, the community mourns the loss of two young lives. Further details will be shared as they become available.