A tragic accident in Sacramento this week has left a community grieving the loss of 19-year-old Ricky Ray Reyes Jr., who was struck and killed by a suspected drunk driver on Wednesday, Aug. 6. Reyes, an aspiring National Guardsman, was waiting for a bus at the time of the collision, just days before his 20th birthday.
Sacramento City Council Member Lisa Kaplan identified Reyes as the victim, expressing her sorrow over the loss. “A precious young man lost his life just waiting for the bus. A family is devastated, and no one should have to experience this,” Kaplan wrote on X. She urged the public, “Please don’t drink & drive.”
According to the Sacramento Police Department (SPD), officers responded to the scene just after 3:15 p.m. at the intersection of Del Paso Road and El Centro Road. Reyes was found lying in the roadway, and despite attempts to revive him, he was pronounced dead on the scene.
The driver of the vehicle, who was also injured in the crash, exhibited signs of intoxication and was arrested. Authorities have not released the driver’s identity. SPD’s Major Collision Investigations Unit (MCIU) and Crime Scene Investigators (CSI) were called to the scene to handle the investigation. Detectives canvassed the area and interviewed witnesses.
Reyes’ family, devastated by the loss, set up a GoFundMe campaign to cover funeral costs. In the campaign, they described him as a young man known for his “honesty, kindness, and the wholehearted way he cared for everyone around him.” They shared that Reyes had been an active participant in JROTC at school and had spent weekends visiting the Army National Guard Base in Sacramento, preparing for a future in the military. He also worked at Corti Brothers, where he was known for crafting deli sandwiches for his community.
Reyes’ family added, “He was always looking for ways to build a better life for himself and his family. His loss has left a deep void in the lives of those who loved him.”
Authorities are asking anyone who witnessed the incident to contact the Sacramento Police Department at (916) 808-5471. Tips may be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000.
