Early on January 27, 2026, a fatal pedestrian incident unfolded on southbound Highway 99 in central Fresno, California, just south of Belmont Avenue, where 37 year old Andrew Magana of Fresno lost his life after being struck by a vehicle.
The sequence began shortly after midnight when Magana’s vehicle came to a stop on the transition ramp from Highway 99 to eastbound Highway 180, leaving the engine running and the driver’s door open. This initial abandonment prompted responses from the California Highway Patrol as officers worked to clear the disabled car from the roadway.
Reports soon emerged of a man running in and out of traffic on the main southbound lanes of Highway 99, first noted near Fresno Street and escalating as he moved through the area. Motorists called in multiple alerts about the erratic behavior on the busy freeway during the late-night hours, highlighting the immediate danger posed to both the individual and passing drivers.
Approximately 30 minutes after the abandoned vehicle was reported, around 12:45 a.m., the striking occurred when a 22 year old driver in a passenger car collided with Magana in the southbound lanes south of Belmont Avenue. The impact proved fatal, with Magana suffering severe injuries that led to his pronouncement of death at the scene by responding emergency personnel.
California Highway Patrol officers arrived to find Magana lying in the roadway and quickly secured the area for investigation. The driver of the vehicle remained at the scene, receiving treatment for moderate injuries at a local hospital before further assessment. This cooperation contrasted with the chaos of the moments prior, allowing authorities to begin piecing together the rapid progression from vehicle abandonment to the deadly collision.
Further examination revealed signs of impairment in the 22 year old driver, leading to an arrest on suspicion of driving under the influence in connection with the fatality. The California Highway Patrol continues its inquiry into all factors, including the circumstances of Magana’s initial stop and entry into traffic, while toxicology results and witness accounts contribute to the ongoing case. Charges related to the DUI and the resulting death remain pending as details solidify.
The sudden death of Andrew Magana has left a mark on Fresno, where he was known among family and friends for his vibrant spirit amid everyday challenges. As loved ones process the loss on a familiar local freeway, the incident serves as another reminder of the vulnerabilities on Highway 99, prompting quiet reflection in the community during this period of grief.