The Bakersfield Police Department reported a motor vehicle accident in southeast Bakersfield on 16 March. The crash occurred near the intersection of Alto Place and South Sterling Road around 11:35 p.m.

According to the authorities, 46-year-old Jose Gelacio Mandragon Hernandez of Bakersfield was riding a horse which collided with a vehicle. Bakersfield Police responded to the scene where they found Hernandez and the horse suffering from major injuries. The victim was pronounced dead at the scene, and the horse was euthanized shortly after. The driver of the pickup truck that struck Hernandez remained at the scene and cooperated with law enforcement.

BPD stated that drugs and alcohol do not seem to be factors in the crash. The Kern County Coroner’s Office will release further details regarding the cause and manner of death at a later time as the investigation continues.

Source: KGET