The Kern County Coroner’s Office has identified the victim of a fatal crash near Delano as 24-year-old Oliver Campuzano Villalva from Tulare. Villalva was a passenger in a Toyota Camry that was involved in a two-vehicle crash on May 7, 2025, in Delano, California.
The California Highway Patrol (CHP) responded to the scene at around 3:38 p.m. at the intersection of Cecil Avenue and Wallace Road. According to a preliminary investigation, the incident occurred when a 2004 Toyota Camry, traveling southbound on Wallace Road, approached a stop sign near Cecil Avenue at an estimated speed of 60 mph. At the same time, a 2016 Chevrolet box truck was traveling eastbound on Cecil Avenue, approaching the intersection at about 55 mph.
The investigation indicated that the driver of the Toyota failed to stop for the posted stop sign and entered the intersection, colliding with the left side of the Chevrolet truck. The force of the crash caused significant damage to both vehicles, leading to injuries for the occupants of the Toyota.
The driver of the Toyota, as well as the left rear passenger, were injured in the crash and were transported to Kern Medical for treatment. Unfortunately, Villalva, who was seated in the right front passenger seat, was pronounced dead at the scene of the accident. The driver of the Chevrolet truck also sustained moderate injuries and was taken to Delano Regional Hospital for treatment.
Following the crash, CHP investigators determined that alcohol played a role in the incident, but the specific details regarding the extent of alcohol’s influence have not yet been released. The investigation is ongoing, as officials continue to gather evidence to better understand the full circumstances surrounding the crash.
This tragic event highlights the importance of safe driving practices and adherence to traffic signs, especially in areas where vehicles are expected to stop at intersections. The loss of Villalva’s life has deeply affected the local community, and friends and family are grieving the death of the young man. The crash serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of driving under the influence and failing to follow traffic signals.
The California Highway Patrol has continued its investigation and is working to clarify all contributing factors to the crash. They are urging anyone with additional information to come forward and assist in the ongoing case.
As the families of the victims cope with the aftermath of the crash, they are left grappling with the consequences of a fatal incident that was, in part, caused by reckless driving behavior. The community is coming together in support, with many people offering condolences to the families and calling for greater awareness about the dangers of impaired driving.