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Luis Antonio Merced Jr. Killed in Solo-Vehicle Crash on Highway 99 near Kimberlina Road in Bakersfield
Bakersfield, CA, July 11, 2025– Authorities have identified Luis Antonio Merced Jr., 31, as the person who was killed in a solo-vehicle crash on Highway 99, just south of Kimberlina Road, on Friday evening, July 11, 2025. The fatal accident occurred around 7:38 p.m., according to the California Highway Patrol. Merced Jr. was reportedly driving along southbound Highway 99 when, for reasons still under investigation, he lost control of the vehicle and crashed. Emergency responders arrived at the scene and found the driver unresponsive . Merced Jr. was pronounced dead at the scene. No other vehicles were involved, and no passengers were reported in the car. CHP officers have not yet confirmed the cause of the crash, but they are continuing their investigation into whether speed, impairment, or mechanical failure played a role.