FRESNO COUNTY, Calif. — Authorities have identified the man who was tragically killed in a devastating crash involving a semi-truck early Wednesday morning in Del Rey. According to the Fresno County Coroner’s Office, the victim has been identified as 41-year-old Juan Rodriguez, a resident of Parlier.
The crash occurred around 4:15 a.m. near the intersection of South Academy Avenue and East Jefferson Avenue, a rural area surrounded by farmland just outside Del Rey. The California Highway Patrol (CHP) said Rodriguez was driving a pickup truck when, for reasons still under investigation, he collided with a semi-truck hauling agricultural goods.
When emergency crews arrived, they found both vehicles with extensive front-end damage. Rodriguez was pronounced dead at the scene despite life-saving efforts by first responders. The driver of the semi-truck sustained minor injuries and was treated at the scene before being released.
CHP investigators said initial findings suggest Rodriguez may have been traveling north on Academy Avenue when his truck crossed into the southbound lane, colliding head-on with the oncoming semi. Authorities have not yet determined whether speed, fatigue, or mechanical failure played a role in the crash.
“This was a violent collision with tragic consequences,” said CHP spokesperson Officer Mark Padilla. “We are still working to determine what caused Mr. Rodriguez’s vehicle to veer into the opposing lane.”
Traffic in the area was shut down for several hours Wednesday morning as crews cleared the wreckage and investigators reconstructed the scene. Skid marks and debris stretched across the roadway, a grim reminder of the impact’s force.
Family members of Juan Rodriguez describe him as a hardworking father, friend, and provider who spent most of his life in the Central Valley. He worked in the agricultural industry and was known for his dedication and kindness. “Juan was the type of person who would give you the shirt off his back,” said his cousin Maria Lopez. “He was humble, caring, and always smiling. This loss is beyond words.”
Neighbors in Parlier have begun organizing a fundraiser to help support Rodriguez’s wife and children as they navigate the difficult days ahead. Friends have also created a small roadside memorial at the crash site, leaving flowers, candles, and photos to honor his memory.
“This community is close-knit — we look after one another,” said longtime friend Hector Alvarez. “Losing Juan hurts all of us. He was family to so many.”
The California Highway Patrol continues to investigate the crash and urges anyone who may have witnessed the collision or observed erratic driving in the area before 4 a.m. to contact the Fresno Area CHP Office.
As the investigation moves forward, the community of Parlier is left mourning a life cut tragically short — a reminder of how quickly heartbreak can strike on familiar roads.
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