Reedley, CA - Luis Martinez Araujo, 75, and Maria Juarez Mendez, 78, Killed in Manning Avenue Hit-and-Run

Reedley, California (July 28, 2026) - Luis Martinez Araujo, 75, and Maria Juarez Mendez, 78, both of Reedley, died after a hit-and-run driver struck them while they were walking near Manning Avenue and Haney Avenue, according to the Reedley Police Department and the Fresno County Sheriff-Coroner's Office.

Officers were called to the intersection around 4:44 a.m. on July 28 after reports that an unknown vehicle struck two pedestrians and left the scene. Responding officers found Martinez Araujo and Juarez Mendez with serious injuries and rendered emergency aid before both were taken to a local hospital, where they later died.

The Fresno County Sheriff-Coroner's Office identified the two as a couple in a longtime relationship. Detectives have not released a description of the vehicle or driver.

The Reedley Police Department is asking anyone who witnessed the crash, saw a vehicle with fresh damage, or has surveillance or dash camera footage from the area to come forward.

This is a developing story. Details may change as the investigation continues.

Losing a partner in an instant, to a driver who kept going, leaves a grief that comes with no answers attached.

Fatal Hit-and-Run in Reedley, California

A hit-and-run doesn't end a family's right to compensation. California law gives victims of unidentified drivers more than one way to pursue a claim.

• Uninsured motorist coverage: Even when the at-fault driver has not been identified, a claim may be available under the victim's own uninsured motorist coverage
• What investigators examine: surveillance and doorbell camera footage along Manning and Haney avenues, paint transfer or debris left behind, and tips from the public
• Pedestrian right-of-way: California doesn't automatically place fault on a pedestrian struck outside a marked crosswalk, and the state's pure comparative fault rule means a family can still recover even if some fault is assigned elsewhere later
• Criminal exposure: California law requires a driver involved in any collision to stop, render aid, and remain at the scene (Vehicle Code 20001), and fleeing carries penalties separate from any civil claim

Wrongful death claims in California must generally be filed within two years of the date of death (CCP 377.60), which puts the deadline at July 28, 2028.

Contact Our California Pedestrian Accident Attorneys

Finding out that the driver who caused this kept going instead of stopping to help adds a layer of anger to a grief no family should have to carry alone.

Christian Contreras Law has represented families across California in wrongful death cases for more than two decades, and our California personal injury attorneys know how to track down evidence even when a driver never stops.

Doorbell cameras get overwritten, security footage gets deleted, and witnesses' memories fade fast. The sooner someone starts preserving that evidence, the better the chance of identifying the driver and holding them accountable.

We work on contingency, so there's no upfront cost and nothing owed unless we recover for you.

Why Injured Clients Trust Christian Contreras Law

• $200M+ recovered for clients
• More than $30M recovered in 2025 alone
• Takes cases to trial with 7+ jury trials each year
• Bilingual representation in English and Spanish
• Featured by ABC, NBC, CBS, FOX, and Telemundo
• Perfect 5.0 Star Client Rating

Call (866) 836-6588 for a Free, Confidential Case Review

If you have any information about this crash, or if you're family of either victim and have questions about your legal options, we're ready to listen and help however we can.

Legal Disclaimer

This page is attorney advertising and is provided for general informational purposes only. It is not legal advice and does not create an attorney-client relationship. Incident information is based on publicly available reports and may change as the investigation continues. The Law Offices of Christian Contreras is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or connected to any law enforcement or emergency response agency. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes, and no outcome is promised or implied.