70-year-old struck by teenage driver in Fresno intersection dies at hospital
A man who was struck by a teenage driver in late August has died, according to the Fresno County Coroner’s Office.
The man was identified as 70-year-old Thomas Zapata Jr., of Fresno.
Officers responded to the collision at 5:30 p.m. Aug. 26 at East Bullard Avenue and North First Street, where Zapata was found lying on the ground.
Police said the teenage driver was making a turn on the westbound lane of Bullard Avenue onto northbound First Street.
But as the teen drove through the busy intersection, his vehicle collided with Zapata.
Zapata was taken to Community Regional Medical Center and was in critical condition. He died Sept. 6.
Police said Zapata was in the crosswalk, but it was not immediately known how far he was in the lane.
Police said the teen is being cooperative and alcohol or drugs are not suspected.
This story was originally published September 12, 2023 at 8:14 PM.
