A 19-year-old Sacramento man was killed by an alleged drunk driver, marking the county’s 97th traffic fatality of 2025 and sparking renewed calls for road safety action.
At a Glance
- Ricky Ray Reyes Jr., 19, was killed on August 6, 2025, while waiting for a bus.
- The suspected driver was arrested on suspicion of DUI after hospitalization.
- This marks Sacramento County’s 97th traffic-related death in 2025.
- Reyes Jr. was a former Junior ROTC cadet and National Guard volunteer.
- A GoFundMe campaign for his family has raised over $22,000.
Fatal Collision in North Sacramento
On August 6, 2025, at approximately 3:15 p.m., Ricky Ray Reyes Jr. was struck by a vehicle while waiting at a bus stop near Del Paso and El Centro roads in Sacramento. Police reported that the driver, whose name has not been released, showed signs of intoxication and was taken to a hospital before being placed under arrest.
Reyes Jr., just days away from his 20th birthday, was known in the community for his dedication to military service. A former Junior ROTC cadet, he frequently volunteered at the Army National Guard Base in Sacramento. Friends and family have described him as deeply committed to serving both his country and his community.
Rising Traffic Fatalities in the County
The tragedy comes amid a broader pattern of deadly crashes in Sacramento County. According to local officials, Reyes Jr.’s death marks the 97th traffic fatality recorded in 2025. Road safety advocates point to this figure as evidence of a growing public safety issue.
Isaac Gonzalez, founder of the nonprofit Slow Down Sacramento, has called these fatalities part of a “systemic problem” requiring urgent attention. His group is pushing for targeted interventions in high-risk corridors, including infrastructure redesigns and increased traffic enforcement.
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Community and Family Response
In the days following the crash, support for Reyes Jr.’s family has poured in from across the region. A GoFundMe campaign, established to help with funeral costs, has already exceeded $22,000 in contributions.
Reyes Jr.’s father, Ricky Reyes Sr., described his son as loving, generous, and devoted. “He had a beautiful soul,” he said. “Always caring, always giving.” Community members have echoed this sentiment, sharing stories of Reyes Jr.’s volunteer work and leadership among peers.
The Sacramento Police Department continues to investigate the incident, while city transportation officials are reviewing the crash site for potential safety improvements. The outcome of the investigation could inform future measures aimed at reducing alcohol-related collisions and protecting pedestrians in high-traffic areas.
