Fresno, California – The Fresno community is mourning the loss of 49-year-old James Kyreacos, who was fatally struck by a vehicle near Fresno Street and Pine Avenue on the morning of January 6, 2026. The incident occurred at approximately 5:45 a.m., just steps away from San Joaquin Memorial High School, under circumstances that remain unclear.

First responders arrived quickly to find Kyreacos with major injuries. He was immediately transported to Community Regional Medical Center, where he was later pronounced dead. Authorities confirmed that the driver involved stopped and remained at the scene, cooperating with law enforcement as the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office investigates the tragic collision.

The accident underscores ongoing pedestrian safety challenges in Fresno, where traffic collisions involving serious injuries and fatalities remain a pressing concern. According to the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS), Fresno recorded 1,627 total fatal and injury victims in 2022, including 180 pedestrian victims and 245 alcohol-involved crashes. In 2023, figures remained similarly high, with 1,600 total victims, 202 pedestrian injuries or deaths, and 238 alcohol-involved crashes. Speed-related, nighttime, and hit-and-run collisions also continue to pose significant risks on city roadways. The number of DUI arrests in Fresno has risen in recent years, reflecting increased enforcement efforts to curb impaired driving.

Long-term data show that Fresno’s road safety challenges have grown since the mid-2010s, highlighting the persistent dangers faced by pedestrians and drivers alike. Incidents such as the fatal collision involving Kyreacos emphasize the need for heightened awareness, enforcement, and community measures to prevent future tragedies.