Fatal DUI Crash in Madera Kills 25-Year-Old Man

Fatal DUI-Suspected Crash Near Yosemite and Elm in Madera Claims Life of 25-Year-Old ManA tragic crash in Madera on Monday evening, October 6, 2025, left a 25-year-old man dead after he was struck by a vehicle near Yosemite and Elm avenues. According to the Madera Police Department, officers responded around 7:00 p.m. to reports of a person lying unresponsive in the roadway. The victim was pronounced dead at the scene.The driver, identified by authorities as 57-year-old Paulino V., remained at the scene. Police indicated that alcohol use appears to be a factor, and the driver was taken into custody on suspicion of felony DUI and vehicular manslaughter. The investigation remains active, and additional details may be released as officials complete their work.This devastating incident underscores the ongoing dangers of impaired driving and the sudden, life-altering consequences it can have for victims, families, and communities.What We Know So Far- Location and time: The collision occurred near the intersection of Yosemite and Elm avenues in Madera, around 7:00 p.m.- Victim: A 25-year-old man was found unresponsive in the roadway and tragically died at the scene.- Driver: A 57-year-old driver, identified as Paulino V., stayed at the scene and was later arrested on suspicion of DUI and vehicular manslaughter.- Investigation: Police have noted that alcohol appears to be a factor. The case is ongoing, and investigators may be reviewing evidence such as field sobriety tests, breath or blood alcohol results, witness statements, and any available surveillance or vehicle data.Because this is an active investigation, final determinations about fault and charges will depend on the evidence gathered by law enforcement and, ultimately, the court process.DUI Crashes and Legal Accountability in CaliforniaAlcohol-impaired driving remains a leading cause of roadway deaths in the United States. In recent years, more than 13,000 people nationwide have died annually in crashes involving alcohol-impaired drivers, with California accounting for a significant share of those fatalities. Despite ongoing public awareness efforts, DUI collisions continue to devastate families and communities.In California, driving with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher generally constitutes DUI for non-commercial adult drivers. Even below that threshold, impairment may be alleged based on driving behavior, observed symptoms, or test results. When a DUI crash results in serious injury or death, drivers may face felony charges, and victims or their families may pursue civil claims for compensation.Importantly, criminal and civil proceedings are separate. A criminal case focuses on punishment and public safety, while a civil claim is about financial accountability to the victims for losses such as medical bills, funeral expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering.Your Rights After a DUI Crash: Injury or Wrongful DeathVictims of DUI crashes—and families who lose loved ones—often face sudden medical costs, income loss, counseling needs, funeral expenses, and long-term emotional trauma. California law allows injured people and surviving family members to pursue compensation through personal injury or wrongful death claims.Potential damages may include:- Medical bills, rehabilitation, and future care costs- Lost wages and loss of future earning capacity- Pain, suffering, and emotional distress- Funeral and burial costs (in wrongful death cases)- Loss of companionship and support (for eligible family members)- Property damage and out-of-pocket expensesIn particularly egregious DUI cases, California law may allow punitive damages intended to punish and deter especially dangerous conduct. Each case is fact-specific, and an experienced attorney can evaluate whether