A fatal crash in downtown Modesto Friday morning became the second deadly pedestrian collision reported in the city within roughly 24 hours.
The latest crash happened shortly after 10 a.m. near 14th and I streets, where a pedestrian was struck by a vehicle. Police said the pedestrian had been in the roadway and had lain down in the number one lane while covered by a blanket.
The vehicle’s driver left after the collision, but officers later located the driver and vehicle about two miles away near Coffee Road and Orangeburg Avenue.
Investigators have not yet determined exactly what led to the crash. Police are reviewing video from multiple angles as they work to establish the sequence of events and determine responsibility.
The intersection was closed while officers investigated the scene. No other injuries were reported, and police had not publicly released the identity of the pedestrian as of the latest update.
Police Reviewing Video in Downtown Crash
Modesto police said investigators are examining several pieces of evidence, including video recordings of the collision.
A traffic sergeant said the footage captured the crash from more than one angle and that investigators were considering all possible circumstances surrounding what happened. Police have emphasized that fault had not yet been determined.
That distinction remains important as the investigation continues. The fact that the driver left the scene does not by itself establish what caused the collision or who was responsible for it.
Earlier Fatal Crash Involved 63-Year-Old Man
The Friday morning collision followed another deadly pedestrian crash in Modesto on Thursday.
That crash happened near Claus Road and East Orangeburg Avenue. Police said a 63-year-old man using a mobility wheelchair was in or near a crosswalk when he was struck by a northbound vehicle.
The man was identified as Darrell Kostner. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
According to the preliminary investigation, Kostner was traveling from the east side of Claus Road toward the west side when he was struck. The driver involved in that collision remained at the scene and cooperated with investigators.
Claus Road was temporarily closed in both directions around the crash while officers investigated.
Both Investigations Remain Open
The two fatal crashes occurred at different locations and under different circumstances, and police have not indicated that they were connected.
Investigators are continuing to work on both cases. In the Friday crash, authorities are reviewing available video and examining the circumstances surrounding the pedestrian’s position in the roadway and the driver’s departure.
Anyone with information about either collision is encouraged to contact the Modesto Police Department’s Traffic Safety Unit.
As investigators continue reviewing the evidence, additional details could be released as the cases develop.
