FRESNO, CA – A late-night crash at a major Fresno roadway left a mother dead and her 9-year-old son swept away in a canal, after authorities say a driver sent their vehicle into the water and fled the scene on foot. The child’s body was later found miles away, intensifying a case that has led to multiple felony charges against a 22-year-old suspect.
Timothy Seth Chavez, 22, is facing two counts each of vehicular manslaughter and felony hit-and-run, along with charges of driving on a suspended license and driving without insurance. Authorities say Chavez was behind the wheel when the crash occurred just before 2 a.m. Monday at McKinley Avenue and State Road 41.
According to police, Chavez ran from the scene after the collision, leaving behind a submerged vehicle carrying 41-year-old Martha Hernandez and her young son, Adrian Hernandez.
Family recounts final moments and aftermath
In a statement shared through a GoFundMe campaign, Hernandez’s niece described the immediate aftermath of the crash and the driver’s alleged actions.
“This man showed no concern and no remorse running away from the scene on foot ignoring the consequences of his behavior,” wrote Lilliana Perez. “My aunt and her youngest son were unfortunately left in a desperate situation. This aftermath left their car stuck in a nearby canal.”
First responders located Martha Hernandez inside the vehicle and transported her to a hospital, where she was pronounced dead. At the time, responders did not realize her son had also been in the car.
“First responders were unaware her 9-year-old son was in the vehicle during the incident and was swept away by the water and found hours later miles away,” Perez wrote.
Authorities later confirmed the boy’s body was recovered downstream.
Victims were returning from Easter celebration
Family members said Martha Hernandez and her son were heading home from an Easter gathering when the crash occurred. The loss has left surviving relatives grappling with both grief and sudden financial strain.
“Our Adrian was a very pure and innocent person — a son, brother, student who loved school and was always involved in church with his mother,” Perez wrote.
Hernandez is also survived by another son, who is expected to graduate from high school later this year. The family says he now faces that milestone without his mother and younger brother.
“He not only is left to face this milestone without his mom and little brother but also left with the weight to give his mother the funeral she deserves by giving her a service in her hometown and by transporting her to her childhood hometown in Mexico where her closest loved ones await,” said Perez. “The sudden loss has brought unexpected funeral expenses and living costs at a time that should be filled with hope and celebration.”
Chavez later turned himself in to the Fresno County Jail on Monday night, according to authorities.
Fresno hit and run crash, California canal accident, vehicular manslaughter Fresno, Martha Hernandez Fresno, Timothy Chavez charges