Sacramento, California — North Highlands Teen Ricky Reyes Remembered After Tragic Suspected DUI Collision
Sacramento, CA — The Sacramento community is grieving the untimely loss of Ricky Reyes, a 19-year-old North Highlands resident whose life was cut short in a suspected DUI collision on Wednesday afternoon, August 6, 2025. Authorities say Reyes was fatally injured near the intersection of Del Paso Road and El Centro Road, a heavily traveled area in northern Sacramento.
According to the Sacramento Police Department, the incident occurred shortly after 3:30 p.m. Officers responded swiftly to multiple reports of a pedestrian struck by a vehicle. Upon arrival, they found Reyes lying unresponsive in the roadway. First responders immediately attempted life-saving measures before transporting him to a nearby hospital, where he was later pronounced deceased.
The Sacramento County Coroner’s Office officially confirmed Reyes’ identity early Thursday morning, sending waves of grief through the North Highlands community. Friends, family, and neighbors have expressed shock and sorrow over the sudden loss, remembering him as a kind-hearted young man with a bright future ahead.
Preliminary investigations indicate that the driver involved may have been operating the vehicle under the influence at the time of the crash. Sacramento Police have confirmed that the driver remained on scene and was taken into custody for questioning. DUI investigators are working to determine the driver’s level of impairment through toxicology testing.
The intersection of Del Paso Road and El Centro Road has long been a concern for residents due to heavy traffic flow and limited pedestrian safety measures. Community members say this tragedy highlights the urgent need for improved crosswalks, better lighting, and stronger enforcement of traffic laws to protect pedestrians.
Loved ones have begun organizing vigils and memorials to honor Reyes’ life. Social media has been flooded with tributes, photos, and heartfelt messages celebrating his generosity, infectious smile, and willingness to help others. Friends recall his passion for sports, his dedication to family, and his dream of building a career in the automotive industry.
Local advocacy groups have also taken this moment to raise awareness about the dangers of impaired driving. Sacramento officials are urging residents to plan safe transportation options when consuming alcohol or drugs, emphasizing that one poor decision can have irreversible consequences.
Police have not yet released full details about the driver’s charges, pending the results of the ongoing investigation. However, authorities confirmed that multiple witnesses have come forward to provide statements and that traffic camera footage is being reviewed as part of the case.
For many in North Highlands, the loss of Ricky Reyes serves as a heartbreaking reminder of life’s fragility. Friends and relatives have expressed hope that his memory will inspire positive change in traffic safety and community responsibility.
Funeral arrangements for Reyes are expected to be announced in the coming days. His family has requested privacy as they navigate this painful time, thanking the community for its overwhelming support, prayers, and acts of kindness during their grief.
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