FRESNO, Calif. — The Fresno community is mourning the tragic death of 60-year-old William Haywood, who was struck and killed by a vehicle late Saturday night. The Fresno County Coroner’s Office formally identified Haywood on Monday following the fatal collision that occurred in the heart of the city.
The incident took place around 11:15 p.m. on May 3, along Blackstone Avenue near Saginaw Way. According to the Fresno Police Department, officers responded to emergency calls reporting a pedestrian in the roadway who had been hit by a vehicle. When officers arrived, they found Haywood suffering from severe injuries. Despite life-saving efforts, he was pronounced dead at the scene.
Officials say the vehicle involved remained at the crash site and the driver has been fully cooperative with authorities. At this time, no arrests have been made, and the incident is still under investigation. Police have not indicated whether alcohol, drugs, speed, or weather were contributing factors in the crash.
Blackstone Avenue, a busy commercial corridor in Fresno, has seen previous pedestrian incidents, raising ongoing concerns about safety, especially at night. Local residents describe the area as poorly lit and challenging to cross on foot.
William Haywood was a longtime Fresno resident who, according to neighbors and those who knew him, was a kind and humble man. “He was quiet, always said hello when he passed by,” said one neighbor. “It’s just heartbreaking to know he’s gone like this.”
The Fresno Police Department urges anyone who may have witnessed the incident or has additional information to contact their Traffic Investigations Unit.
Haywood’s death marks another tragic reminder of the vulnerability of pedestrians and the importance of driver and pedestrian awareness, particularly in high-traffic urban areas.