Young Patriot KILLED Days Before Birthday

August 12, 2025

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Police in Sacramento report that 19-year-old Ricky Ray Reyes Jr., an aspiring member of the National Guard, was struck and killed by a suspected drunk driver days before his 20th birthday, an incident that authorities say reflects ongoing challenges in preventing impaired driving.

Story Highlights

19-year-old aspiring National Guardsman killed by suspected DUI driver at Sacramento bus stop
Ricky Ray Reyes Jr. was eight days away from his 20th birthday and had just toured a trade school
Driver jumped curb and struck victim at marked bus stop, marking Sacramento County’s 97th traffic death this year
Former JROTC cadet volunteered weekends at Sacramento Army National Guard Base
Family GoFundMe raises over $22,000 as community mourns loss of dedicated young patriot

Young Patriot’s Life Cut Short by Reckless Driver

Ricky Ray Reyes Jr., 19, was struck and killed by a suspected drunk driver while waiting at a bus stop in North Natomas on August 6, 2025. The Sacramento Police Department reported that the vehicle jumped the curb at Del Paso and El Centro roads, striking Reyes who was pronounced dead at the scene. Police described the incident as a fatal collision that ended the life of a young man who, according to his family, was committed to military service and personal development.

Family members and colleagues described Reyes as embodying qualities they associate with dedication and community service. Reyes worked at Corti Brothers deli while pursuing his dream of joining the National Guard. He spent his weekends volunteering at the Sacramento Army National Guard Base, demonstrating the selfless service mentality that defines our military. Just hours before his death, he had toured Universal Technical Institute in Natomas, exploring HVAC training to build a skilled trade career alongside his military aspirations.

Sacramento’s Growing Traffic Death Crisis

According to Sacramento County Coroner’s Office data, this was the county’s 97th motor-vehicle fatality of 2025; a figure that local safety advocates say reflects an urgent need for improved traffic safety measures. Local safety advocate Isaac Gonzalez of Slow Down Sacramento has identified “systemic problems” with fatality clusters throughout the county using coroner data. The organization’s mapping reveals concerning patterns where multiple deaths occur at specific corridors, suggesting inadequate safety measures at high-risk intersections.

The driver responsible for this tragedy was hospitalized and arrested following the crash, though their identity has not been released. Police have confirmed suspected DUI as the cause, adding this case to the mounting evidence that drunk driving enforcement needs strengthening. Memorial flowers now mark the bus stop where Reyes died, which community members say symbolises the toll that impaired driving takes on families.

Family Seeks Justice and Remembrance

Reyes’ family has launched a GoFundMe campaign that quickly raised over $22,000, reflecting community support for a young man who represented the best of American values. His father, Ricky Reyes Sr., spoke publicly about his son’s character and dedication to service. The fundraiser emphasizes Reyes’ commitment to his JROTC background and his dreams of defending our nation through National Guard service.

Drunk driving isn't taken seriously. First offense should get 5 years in prison. Killing someone should get life. https://t.co/6PlkCnVyTn

— LoveHerMadly (@Xlovehermadly) August 10, 2025

City officials are reportedly investigating the crash site for potential safety improvements, though specific engineering countermeasures remain unspecified. While the investigation is ongoing, any resulting safety changes will not affect the outcome for the Reyes family. Traffic safety advocates, including Slow Down Sacramento, have called for improvements at the intersection of Del Paso and El Centro roads, citing its history of collisions. The intersection of Del Paso and El Centro roads needs immediate safety enhancements to protect other innocent Americans from similar preventable deaths.