Man killed and passenger injured in suspected Fresno County DUI crash identified

FRESNO COUNTY, Calif. (KFSN) -- A mangled wreckage is the aftermath of a deadly crash that has left a family mourning just one day before Thanksgiving.

"This is tragic. It's a loss of a life, a loss of a community member. A grieving family," Mike Salas with the California Highway Patrol says.

The CHP says two young men, identified as 18-year-old Isael Acevedo and 18-year-old Jorge Medina, were in the Honda Accord heading west on Vino Avenue near Jim Savage Road around 7 a.m. Wednesday.

It's believed they were traveling at a high speed when Acevedo went off the road just north of Reedley.

"That vehicle drifted off to the shoulder and struck an irrigation pipe, which launched them into the field that you see behind me. That vehicle traveled for about 200 feet, overturning multiple times," Salas says.

Officer Salas says the young men were not wearing seatbelts and were ejected from the sedan.

Acevedo died at the scene, while Medina suffered only minor injuries.

Perfecto Gutierrez is one of two farm workers who saw the crash.

He says they were both in shock but ran toward the car, trying to help.

"We feel the heartbreak too; it's the loss of a life," Gutierrez says

He also says Medina asked to borrow his cell phone to call his mother, who I spoke with at the scene.

She did not want to appear on camera but says the young men were best friends and the crash happened just a mile away from the Acevedo's home.

Once Medina was in the back of an ambulance at the scene, Salas says he became combative in the ambulance, prompting officers to step in.

"In doing so, both of the officers were bitten on the arms and that individual was restrained," Salas says.

Medina was taken to the hospital and is expected to face charges for the alleged assault.

Investigators also tell us alcohol is a suspected factor in the crash.

Now, they are once again urging everyone not to drink and drive.

"Do not get behind the wheel impaired, find other means of transportation like ride share, taxi, friend, stay where you are," Salas says.

It's believed Medina may have been suffering from a mental health crisis that contributed to his erratic behavior.

He's now booked on felony charges of assault on a peace officer and his bail is set at $30,000.

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