Zacarias Ecahua Chipahua Obituary, Death – Authorities have released the identity of a man who tragically lost his life following a traffic incident involving two vehicles in the early morning hours of Thursday, October 2, 2025. The Kern County Coroner’s Office confirmed that the individual was 26-year-old Zacarias Ecahua Chipahua of Lamont.
According to the California Highway Patrol (CHP), officers responded at approximately 5:18 a.m. to reports of a collision at the intersection of South H Street and Houghton Road. The intersection, officials noted, is regulated by posted stop signs to help manage vehicle movement and protect motorists.
A preliminary investigation by CHP revealed that a 33-year-old man was driving a 2011 Chevrolet Impala westbound along Houghton Road, east of South H Street. The Impala reportedly came to a full stop at the intersection before attempting to turn south onto South H Street.
At that same time, a white 2008 Chevrolet Silverado, driven by an unidentified man, was traveling eastbound on Houghton Road, just west of South H Street. According to investigators, the Silverado did not stop at the posted stop sign and continued through the intersection at an undetermined speed.
Moments later, the front of the Silverado collided with the right side of the Impala, causing significant damage to the vehicles. Emergency responders were called to the scene shortly after the crash.
CHP stated that the driver of the Impala, a 33-year-old man, sustained minor injuries in the impact. A 45-year-old passenger who was also inside the Impala suffered moderate injuries and was transported to Kern Medical for further treatment. Sadly, Zacarias Ecahua Chipahua, who was seated in the front passenger seat, did not survive the collision and was pronounced deceased at the scene.
Authorities reported that the driver of the Silverado left the scene on foot before officers arrived and is currently being sought by law enforcement. Investigators have not yet released any identifying details about the individual, but they are working to gather information from witnesses and nearby surveillance footage to assist in locating the driver.
At this stage, the CHP has not determined whether alcohol or drugs may have played a role in the crash. The agency emphasized that the investigation remains ongoing and that no conclusions have yet been drawn about the factors that contributed to the collision.
The California Highway Patrol is urging anyone who may have seen the incident or who has information about the driver of the Silverado to contact the Bakersfield Area CHP Office at (661) 396-6600. Officials say that even small details could help advance the investigation and provide closure for those affected.
The collision has deeply affected the Lamont and Bakersfield communities, where residents have expressed sympathy for the families impacted. Authorities have also taken the opportunity to remind the public about the importance of observing all traffic signs and signals, especially at intersections, where even brief lapses in attention can have serious consequences.
Law enforcement agencies continue to emphasize roadway safety, urging drivers to remain cautious and alert during all hours, particularly in low-light conditions such as early morning or late evening. Pedestrians and motorists alike are encouraged to look out for one another and to report any unsafe driving behaviors that could endanger others.
As the investigation progresses, the CHP has pledged to release updates as more information becomes available. The department also expressed appreciation for the cooperation of witnesses and community members assisting with the case.
Authorities remain dedicated to finding the driver involved and ensuring that the circumstances of the crash are fully understood. Meanwhile, the community continues to remember Zacarias Ecahua Chipahua, whose life was lost in this unfortunate event, as family and friends cope with the devastating impact of his passing.
