BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KBAK/KBFX) — A two-vehicle collision on Pond Road in Delano resulted in the death of a motorcyclist on Sunday, June 28, 2026, at approximately 9:12 p.m.
The California Highway Patrol (CHP) reported that 21-year-old Gilbert Pena Galarza Jr. of Earlimart was riding a 2012 Honda CBR600 motorcycle westbound when a 58-year-old woman driving a 2014 Nissan Rogue made a left turn, colliding with him.
CHP officials indicated that the Nissan turned onto northbound Stradley Avenue, directly into Galarza Jr.’s path, preventing him from taking evasive action. The front of the motorcycle struck the right side of the Nissan.
Emergency medical personnel arrived on the scene, but Galarza Jr. was pronounced dead at the location. The driver of the Nissan and her female passenger suffered minor injuries.
The incident is currently under investigation by CHP. No lane closures were reported during the response.