Two Vehicles Struck Victim on SR-99 Near Taft Highway
KERN COUNTY, Calif. (Jan. 9, 2026) — Jared Jon Harper, 47, of Bakersfield, died back on Dec. 29 after being struck by two vehicles while walking on Highway 99 near Taft Highway in Bakersfield, authorities confirmed.
According to the Kern County Coroner’s Office, Harper was hit shortly after 2:30 a.m. The California Highway Patrol said Harper was walking southbound in the No. 3 lane of Highway 99 when he was struck by an unknown vehicle traveling in the same direction.
CHP investigators said the driver of that vehicle fled the scene before officers arrived, leaving Harper unresponsive in the roadway.
Moments later, a second vehicle — a Honda traveling southbound in the same lane — struck Harper as he lay in the road. Authorities said the Honda driver was unable to avoid the collision. The driver stopped immediately and remained at the scene, where they were contacted by emergency personnel.
Harper suffered severe injuries from the initial crash and was pronounced dead at the scene, according to the coroner.
The hit-and-run driver involved in the first collision has not been identified. The crash remains under investigation by the California Highway Patrol.
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