Sacramento Teen Killed by Alleged Drunk Driver, Marking County’s 97th Traffic Fatality of 2025
Story Highlights
- Ricky Ray Reyes Jr., a 19-year-old aspiring National Guardsman, was killed by an alleged drunk driver in Sacramento.
- The incident marks Sacramento County’s 97th traffic death of 2025.
- The driver was arrested and hospitalized after the crash, which occurred just days before the victim’s 20th birthday.
- A GoFundMe campaign has raised over $22,000 for the family.
Young Man’s Life Cut Short by Reckless Driver
Ricky Ray Reyes Jr. was a 19-year-old former Junior ROTC cadet who spent his weekends volunteering at the Army National Guard Base in Sacramento. On August 6, 2025, he was killed after being struck by a vehicle driven by an alleged drunk driver while waiting for a bus at Del Paso and El Centro roads. The young man was just days away from celebrating his 20th birthday.
The fatal collision occurred just after 3:15 p.m. According to the Sacramento Police Department, the driver of the vehicle displayed signs of intoxication and was arrested. A GoFundMe page for Reyes Jr. described him as being dedicated to serving the military and the community.
"An aspiring National Guardsman was struck and killed by an alleged drunk driver at a California bus stop just days before his 20th birthday, according to police and his heartbroken family."https://t.co/7UNZ2Mpz5O
— Mr Producer (@RichSementa) August 10, 2025
Sacramento’s Growing Traffic Death Crisis
This incident highlights a disturbing trend in Sacramento County, where 97 motor vehicle-related fatalities have occurred so far in 2025. The statistic has brought attention to road safety and enforcement in the area.
Isaac Gonzalez, the founder of Slow Down Sacramento, called the incident “absolutely heartbreaking” and emphasized that traffic fatalities are a “systemic problem” in the county. His organization has been pushing for interventions in high-risk areas.
Family Seeks Justice and Community Support
Ricky Reyes Sr. described his son as “amazing… beautiful soul, loving, caring, always giving.” The family has established a GoFundMe campaign that has already raised over $22,000 for funeral expenses.
The suspected driver, whose identity has not been released, was hospitalized following the crash and subsequently arrested. Sacramento Police continue their investigation while city officials review the crash site for potential safety improvements.
Sources:
Aspiring National Guardsman, 19, killed by drunk driver days before 20th birthday in Sacramento
Army ROTC – Find Your Path as an Army Officer
