Dario Urena, Syrus Suniga, and Joey Suniga Jr. Tragically Killed in Fiery Crash on Kearney Boulevard in Fresno
Dario Urena, Syrus Suniga, and Joey Suniga Jr. Tragically Killed in Fiery Crash on Kearney Boulevard in Fresno
On the early morning of May 9, 2025, a devastating single-vehicle crash occurred on Kearney Boulevard near Garfield Avenue in northeast Fresno, California. The collision resulted in the tragic deaths of three individuals—Dario Urena, Syrus Suniga, and Joey Suniga Jr. The vehicle, a Honda Civic, reportedly lost control, veered off the road, and struck a palm tree before bursting into flames. Despite the prompt response of emergency services, all three occupants perished at the scene.(AOL)
Victims Identified
The Fresno County Coroner’s Office has identified the victims as:(yourcentralvalley.com)
- Dario Urena, aged 25, from Kerman
- Syrus Suniga, aged 21, from Kerman
- Joey Suniga Jr., aged 27, from Kerman(AOL, ABC30 Fresno)
According to the California Highway Patrol (CHP), Urena and Syrus were stepbrothers, while Syrus and Joey were cousins. The close familial ties among the victims have added to the profound impact of this tragedy on the local community.(AOL)
Circumstances of the Crash
The incident took place at approximately 2:45 a.m. when the Honda Civic was traveling eastbound on Kearney Boulevard. For reasons still under investigation, the driver lost control of the vehicle, which then veered off the road, struck a palm tree, and became fully engulfed in flames. Emergency responders arrived at the scene promptly but were unable to save the occupants due to the intensity of the fire.(AOL)
Preliminary reports suggest that alcohol may have been a contributing factor to the crash. The CHP has indicated that the investigation is ongoing, and toxicology reports are pending to determine the exact cause of the accident.(ABC30 Fresno)
Community Reaction
The news of the crash has sent shockwaves through the Kerman community, where the victims were well-known and beloved. Residents have expressed their grief and called for increased safety measures on Kearney Boulevard, a road that has been the site of several fatal accidents in recent years.(ABC30 Fresno)
Faith Koretoff, a local resident, shared her concerns, stating, “How many more people need to die on this corner before they make a two-way stop?” Her sentiments reflect a growing frustration among community members who feel that more proactive measures are needed to prevent such tragedies.(ABC30 Fresno)
In response to the incident, local authorities have pledged to review traffic safety protocols and consider implementing additional safety measures on Kearney Boulevard to prevent future accidents.
Investigation and Legal Proceedings
The California Highway Patrol is leading the investigation into the crash. While alcohol is suspected to be a factor, the exact cause of the accident remains under investigation. Authorities are awaiting toxicology results to provide more clarity on the circumstances surrounding the crash.(Arash Law, Fresno Bee)
The families of the victims have expressed their intent to seek legal counsel to explore potential avenues for justice and accountability. Legal experts suggest that if negligence or recklessness is determined to be a factor, the responsible parties could face significant legal consequences.
Safety Measures and Public Awareness
In light of this tragedy, there has been a renewed focus on road safety in the Fresno area. Local authorities are considering various measures to enhance safety on Kearney Boulevard, including the installation of additional stop signs, improved lighting, and increased law enforcement presence.
Public awareness campaigns are also being discussed to educate drivers about the dangers of impaired and distracted driving. Community leaders emphasize the importance of collective responsibility in ensuring road safety and preventing future tragedies.(Fresno County)
Conclusion
The loss of Dario Urena, Syrus Suniga, and Joey Suniga Jr. is a profound tragedy that has deeply affected the Fresno community. As investigations continue, the focus remains on understanding the factors that led to the crash and implementing measures to prevent such incidents in the future. The families of the victims, along with the broader community, are left to mourn the loss of three young lives and to advocate for changes that will enhance road safety for all.(AOL)