On the early morning of May 9, 2025, a devastating single-vehicle crash occurred on Kearney Boulevard near Garfield Avenue in northeast Fresno, California. The accident resulted in the tragic deaths of three young men: Dario Urena, Syrus Suniga, and Joey Suniga Jr. The victims were in a Honda Civic that reportedly lost control, veered off the road, and struck a palm tree before bursting into flames. Despite the swift response from emergency services, all three individuals perished at the scene. The crash has sent shockwaves throughout the local community, and the loss of these three lives has left their families, friends, and residents of Fresno deeply shaken.
The Fresno County Coroner’s Office has identified the victims as Dario Urena, 25, Syrus Suniga, 21, and Joey Suniga Jr., 27, all of whom hailed from the nearby town of Kerman, California. According to the California Highway Patrol (CHP), Urena and Syrus were stepbrothers, while Syrus and Joey were cousins. The close familial ties between the victims have only intensified the emotional impact of this tragedy. The loss of three young lives, each with so much potential, has left the community mourning and seeking answers.
The accident occurred at approximately 2:45 a.m., when the Honda Civic was traveling eastbound on Kearney Boulevard. For reasons still under investigation, the driver lost control of the vehicle. The car veered off the road, struck a palm tree, and became fully engulfed in flames. Firefighters and emergency responders arrived quickly at the scene, but the intensity of the fire prevented them from rescuing the victims. Tragically, they were pronounced dead at the scene.
Preliminary reports from the CHP suggest that alcohol may have been a contributing factor in the crash. Authorities have indicated that the investigation is ongoing, and toxicology reports are pending to confirm the exact cause of the accident. As investigators work to piece together the details of the incident, they are considering all possible contributing factors, including road conditions, the speed of the vehicle, and the potential involvement of alcohol or other substances. The results of the toxicology tests will provide further clarity on what led to the fatal crash.
The news of the crash has reverberated throughout Kerman, a small town where the victims were well-known and loved. Dario, Syrus, and Joey had strong ties to their community, and their passing has left a profound sense of grief and loss among residents. Community leaders have expressed their condolences and called for greater attention to traffic safety, particularly on Kearney Boulevard, which has been the site of several fatal accidents in recent years. Local residents have voiced concerns about the safety of the road, calling for additional safety measures to prevent further tragedies.
One local resident, Faith Koretoff, shared her frustrations, stating, “How many more people need to die on this corner before they make a two-way stop?” Her statement reflects the growing frustration within the community, as many believe that more proactive measures are needed to address the dangerous conditions on Kearney Boulevard. Faith’s concerns echo the sentiment of many other community members, who feel that the road’s safety issues have been overlooked for too long.
In response to this tragedy, local authorities have pledged to review traffic safety protocols on Kearney Boulevard. They are considering implementing additional safety measures, such as the installation of stop signs, better lighting, and an increased law enforcement presence to enforce traffic laws. The hope is that these changes will help reduce the number of accidents in the area and ensure that residents feel safer on their roads.
The loss of Dario, Syrus, and Joey has also spurred a renewed focus on the dangers of impaired and distracted driving. In addition to the potential for alcohol-related incidents, the crash has raised awareness about the importance of road safety in general. Local leaders are discussing the creation of public awareness campaigns aimed at educating drivers about the dangers of driving under the influence and the importance of staying alert while behind the wheel. These campaigns are intended to remind residents of their collective responsibility to ensure the safety of all drivers, passengers, and pedestrians.
As the investigation continues, the families of the victims are left to grieve the loss of their loved ones. In addition to the emotional pain, the families are also navigating the financial burden of funeral expenses and the loss of support from their beloved sons, brothers, and cousins. Many have turned to social media and local fundraising platforms to raise money for the funeral costs and to support the families during this difficult time. A GoFundMe campaign has been launched in honor of the victims, and it has already received an outpouring of support from the community. The generosity of the people in Fresno and Kerman has been a source of comfort for the families, who are deeply grateful for the love and compassion shown to them in their time of loss.
For the victims’ families, the pain of losing three young men so suddenly is unbearable. Dario, Syrus, and Joey were all full of life, with their futures ahead of them. Dario had dreams of starting his own business, Syrus was planning to further his education, and Joey was known for his passion for helping others. Their untimely deaths have left their families with a sense of profound loss that can never be fully healed. However, they take comfort in knowing that their loved ones were surrounded by a community that cared for them and supported them throughout their lives.
As the families prepare for the funeral services, they are comforted by the outpouring of support and the fond memories of the three men. The funeral services will be held at a local church, where family, friends, and community members will gather to pay their respects and honor the lives of Dario, Syrus, and Joey. The service will offer a space for loved ones to share their stories, reflect on the impact the three young men had on their lives, and say their final goodbyes.
The loss of Dario Urena, Syrus Suniga, and Joey Suniga Jr. is a devastating tragedy that has deeply affected the Fresno and Kerman communities. As investigations continue, the focus remains on understanding the factors that led to the crash and ensuring that steps are taken to prevent future accidents. The families of the victims, along with the broader community, continue to mourn the loss of three young lives but are determined to honor their memory by advocating for changes that will improve road safety and prevent future tragedies.
The memory of Dario, Syrus, and Joey will live on in the hearts of those who knew them. Their passion for life, their love for their families, and their dedication to their community will continue to inspire those who remember them. Rest in peace, Dario, Syrus, and Joey—you will never be forgotten.
