BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KBAK/KBFX) — The Kern County Coroner’s Office has identified a man who died after a crash on Highway 155 as 60-year-old Bernice Ariza of Wofford Heights.

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The California Highway Patrol said on Thursday, April 9, 2026, at around 5:14 p.m., officers were called to Highway 155, west of Air Force Way for reports of a solo-vehicle crash involving a sedan.

CHP said a preliminary investigation found that Ariza was driving a 2004 Toyota Camry westbound on Highway 155, west of Air Force Way at an unknown rate of speed. Due to the driver’s unsafe speed, he was unable to maneuver the curve of the roadway and allowed the Toyota to veer off the roadway.

The Toyota continued traveling off the roadway, ultimately crashing into a tree, according to CHP.

As a result of the crash, Ariza sustained severe injuries and was taken by Liberty Ambulance to the Democrat helicopter landing pad for Medevac, medical evacuation by method of helicopter. While at the landing pad awaiting Medevac arrival, Ariza died from his injuries.