Alexes Napoleon Perez Rivera Obituary, Death – The Kern County Coroner’s Office has released the names of two young men who were killed in a late-night crash on Highway 99 last Friday. The victims have been identified as 20-year-old Alexes Napoleon Perez Rivera and 20-year-old Samuel Ignacio Hernandez Cervantes, both residents of Bakersfield.
According to officials, the crash occurred at approximately 11:17 p.m. as Rivera was driving a vehicle southbound on Highway 99, just north of Union Avenue. For reasons still under investigation, the vehicle struck a metal guardrail. The impact caused Rivera to lose control, sending the car into a dangerous sequence of events that ended in tragedy.
Authorities say Cervantes, who was a passenger in the vehicle, was ejected during the crash. The force of the collision and the ejection resulted in fatal injuries. Emergency responders arrived quickly, but both Rivera and Cervantes were pronounced dead at the scene.
Two additional passengers, both women, were also in the vehicle at the time of the crash. They sustained major injuries and were transported to Kern Medical for treatment. Officials have not provided updates on their current conditions.
The California Highway Patrol (CHP) is leading the investigation into the fatal accident. At this stage, it is unclear what caused the vehicle to hit the guardrail. Investigators will be examining possible contributing factors such as speed, driver distraction, fatigue, impairment, or mechanical failure. They will also review any evidence from the crash scene, including skid marks, debris, and damage to both the vehicle and the guardrail.
The crash took place late at night, a time when visibility is reduced and driver fatigue can be a factor. CHP has not stated whether alcohol or drugs are suspected, but toxicology testing will be performed as part of the routine investigative process in fatal collisions.
The deaths of Rivera and Cervantes have left their families and friends in shock, as both were young and from the same community. The loss is compounded by the serious injuries suffered by the two surviving passengers.
Highway 99, a major route through Kern County, has long been known for its heavy traffic and frequent accidents. While the exact circumstances in this case remain under review, CHP officials often stress the importance of driving attentively, following speed limits, and ensuring all passengers are wearing seat belts to reduce the risk of fatalities in the event of a crash.
The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are asking anyone who may have witnessed the collision or has information about the moments leading up to it to contact CHP.
As the community mourns the loss of two young lives, the incident serves as another reminder of how quickly a routine drive can turn deadly. For now, loved ones and friends are left grieving while hoping for the recovery of the two women who remain hospitalized after the crash.
