Horrific Late-Night Collision on Highway 99
A peaceful night on August 8, 2025, turned into tragedy along Highway 99 near Union Avenue, leaving two young men dead and two women critically injured. Around 11:17 p.m., 20-year-old Alexes Rivera, driving a Chevrolet Silverado at high speed, lost control of the vehicle. The truck violently struck a guardrail before careening into the Union Avenue overcrossing. Passenger Samuel Cervantes, also 20, tragically ejected from the vehicle for not wearing a seatbelt, died instantly at the scene alongside Rivera.
Emergency responders arrived swiftly, but the crash’s sheer force left little chance of survival for the two men. The violent nature of the wreck and the high speed involved have left the local community in shock and mourning.
Women Rushed to Hospital in Critical Condition
Two female passengers in the Silverado sustained severe injuries and were immediately transported to Kern Medical for emergency care. Their identities have not been released as authorities focus on their treatment and family notifications. The incident serves as a grim reminder of the fragility of life on the road, particularly for young drivers.
The California Highway Patrol continues its investigation to determine the exact cause of the crash, including whether speed, mechanical failure, or other factors contributed. Community members have expressed their sorrow, sending prayers and condolences to the families affected by this devastating event.
Remembering Lives Lost Too Soon
Alexes Rivera and Samuel Cervantes, both only 20 years old, leave behind friends, families, and a community grappling with sudden, heartbreaking loss. Their passing highlights the dangers of high-speed driving and the importance of seatbelt use, a detail tragically underscored by Cervantes’ ejection from the truck.
As the investigation continues, neighbors and loved ones are holding vigil in memory of the two young men, while wishing recovery for the women still fighting for their lives. The incident stands as a sobering reminder that a single moment of loss of control can have irreversible consequences.
