Selma Man, Hanford Child Killed in Crash on Highway 41 in Fresno
FRESNO, Calif. (May 26, 2026) — Carlos Sandoval Jr., 31, of Selma, and a 3-year-old Hanford boy both died after the man’s car became disabled and the child’s mother hit it early May 17 on southbound Highway 41 in Fresno, authorities said.
The child, who died three days later, was recently identified by the Fresno County Sheriff-Coroner as Kendrixx Leavell of Hanford. His family has a GoFundMe fundraiser to cover his funeral expenses.
According to the California Highway Patrol, officers responded around 2:25 a.m. after receiving reports of a darkened vehicle stopped in the middle lane of southbound State Route 41, just north of Highway 180. Moments later, dispatchers received additional calls reporting a collision involving the disabled vehicle.
Investigators said the 31-year-old Selma man was driving a Toyota Camry southbound when, for reasons still under investigation, the vehicle came to a stop in the No. 2 lane of the freeway.
Meanwhile, a 33-year-old Fresno woman driving a Kia Optima in the same lane was unable to avoid the disabled Toyota. She reportedly crashed into the rear of the vehicle after several motorists reportedly narrowly missed hitting it.
The impact caused both vehicles to spin across the freeway, eventually coming to rest in opposite lanes.
The driver of the Toyota was transported to a hospital, where he later died from his injuries, according to CHP. Also, a 3-year-old child riding in the Kia suffered major, life-threatening injuries and was taken to a local hospital. However, the child died three days later on May 20th, the coroner said. Authorities said the child was wearing a seatbelt but was not secured in a legally required child safety seat. An adult male passenger in the Kia also sustained major injuries and was hospitalized.
Investigators believe alcohol may have been a factor involving the Toyota driver, though officials said toxicology testing and the Fresno County Coroner’s investigation are still pending.The crash remains under investigation.
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When it matters most, trust Attorney James Johnson at Johnson Attorneys Group. We are a personal injury law firm serving clients who have been injured throughout California due to negligent motorists. If you were hurt in this collision, call 1-(800) 208-3538. We will request the police report, and the attorney will discuss your options. You are under no obligation to hire us, and there is no cost unless we win your case. Our personal injury law firm is a proud, longtime supporter of Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD).
