Tragic Early Morning Crash Claims Life of Arvin Woman
BAKERSFIELD, Calif. — The Kern County Coroner has identified the young woman killed in a devastating early morning crash on Monday as 21-year-old Stefhanie Vargas of Arvin.
The incident occurred around 4:52 a.m. on January 26 on North Rancho Drive, south of Grasshopper Lane. According to the California Highway Patrol, a 23-year-old man was driving a 2010 Honda Civic southbound when he encountered Vargas lying on the roadway. With no opportunity to avoid her, the vehicle struck Vargas, inflicting severe injuries.
Emergency responders pronounced her dead at the scene at 5:09 a.m. The driver of the Honda remained at the location and is fully cooperating with investigators. The CHP has not released details regarding why Vargas was on the road.
The shocking collision has left the Arvin community in mourning, grieving the sudden loss of a young life. The investigation into the exact circumstances leading up to the tragedy remains active.
