[04-06-2026] Fresno County, CA – Woman and Son Drown In Canal After DUI Driver Strikes Vehicle Near Fresno St.

A 41-year-old woman and her 9-year-old son drowned after their vehicle was struck by a suspected DUI driver in Fresno early Monday morning, April 6, 2026.

According to Fresno Police Chief Mindy Casto, the incident occurred around 2 a.m. when the woman, identified as Martha H., was making a left turn from southbound Highway 41 onto McKinley Avenue near Fresno Street. 

A Honda Pilot, allegedly running a red light, broadsided her Dodge SUV. The force of the collision sent the SUV across multiple lanes of traffic, over a median, and into a nearby canal. After landing in the canal, the vehicle floated about 500 feet downstream before coming to rest. The driver of the Honda Pilot fled the scene. 

Crews from the Fresno Fire Department, including water rescue teams, responded to the crash. Firefighters were able to pull Martha from the submerged SUV and began CPR, but she later died at the hospital. 

Her 9-year-old son, Adrian H., was found approximately two miles downstream, near Ferger Avenue and Arroyo Street.

Witnesses reported that the suspect vehicle was traveling at a high rate of speed before the collision, and dashcam footage from a witness is being used in the investigation. 

The driver remains at large as of Monday afternoon, and Fresno police are asking anyone with information to contact them at (559) 621-7000. The investigation remains ongoing.

What A Lawyer Can Do For You

Many victims put off calling a lawyer even if they sustain injuries after an accident. However, lawyers can help you in many ways. They can provide you with police reports, CCTV footage, and witness statements to strengthen your case. Your attorney will also negotiate with insurance companies to get you fair compensation. The best part is that they will do all of these things for you at no upfront cost. So if you’re injured in an accident, hire a personal injury attorney to recover medical bills, car repair costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering.