FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) — The family of Albert Gomez is grieving after they say he was struck and killed Wednesday night in Fresno, just days after he spoke about caring for his wife as she battles cancer.<\/p>\n
Authorities said Gomez was killed after walking into oncoming traffic on the northbound side of Highway 41 near Divisadero. Investigators are still working to determine what led to the collision.<\/p>\n
“I’m shocked when I got the call I didn’t believe it, like I didn’t understand,” said Caroline Rodriguez, Gomez’s niece.<\/p>\n
The tragedy comes as Gomez’s wife, Lidia, prepares to leave the hospital after a lengthy stay. Gomez had been the primary caretaker for his wife, who has stage three rectal cancer.<\/p>\n
Just days before his death, Gomez spoke to Action News about the challenges his family was facing.<\/p>\n
“We’re doing our best to get through this mess. She’s been in the hospital for 150 days, plus, and she’ll be home soon,” Gomez said.<\/p>\n
Lidia has been hospitalized at Community Regional Medical Center since February and is less than a week away from being released.<\/p>\n
The couple are high school sweethearts; Gomez remained by her side throughout her treatment.<\/p>\n
“She’s strong. She’s been in the hospital hanging on there,” said Elena Ruiz, Gomez’s niece.<\/p>\n
Ruiz said Gomez played a critical role in supporting the family.<\/p>\n
“It’s really hard because he was doing a lot to hold them together,” she said.<\/p>\n
Relatives said Gomez was known for carrying a camera and for his strong faith.<\/p>\n
“He was always preaching about God everywhere,” Rodriguez said.<\/p>\n
“I love him and I miss him. We’re all in shock,” she added.<\/p>\n
According to the California Highway Patrol, the driver involved in the collision remained at the scene and is cooperating with investigators.<\/p>\n
“Unfortunately, right now we just don’t know why that pedestrian walked into oncoming traffic. There could be a series of different reasons, but unfortunately that driver that approached the pedestrian just did not have enough time to stop or react and avoid that pedestrian,” said CHP Public Information Officer Mike Salas.<\/p>\n
Before his death, Gomez had been organizing a car wash in his hometown of Woodlake to help support his wife. Family members said that the event has been canceled, but community members are now organizing another fundraiser in support of both Gomez and his family.<\/p>\n
“Anyone who helps is really appreciated as well. I knew my uncle knew a lot of people, and I really believe that there will be a lot of people showing up for him and for my aunt and my cousin,” Ruiz said.<\/p>\n
Now the victim’s daughter did issue a statement to us, and it reads, ‘he was taking care of my mom through her illness and fought right alongside her to the end.’ She also said her family is grieving.<\/p>\n
The car wash will be held at the same place and time as originally planned, this Saturday at Jack’s Liquor in Woodlake at 8 a.m.<\/p>\n
Organizers are still asking for volunteers, you can contact @woodlakestringer on Instagram if you’d like to help out.<\/p>\n
For news and weather updates, follow Brisa Col\u00f3n on Facebook<\/a>, Twitter<\/a> and Instagram<\/a>.<\/p>\n Copyright \u00a9 2026 KFSN-TV. All Rights Reserved.<\/p>\n