RIDGECREST – A 25-year-old driver was killed Wednesday after he tried to pass three vehicles and crashed head-on into a pickup truck in the Ridgecrest area, authorities said.
Kendall Cade Evans of Lancaster died at the scene of the collision, which occurred around 1 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 12, on Highway 395 south of China Lake Boulevard, according to the Kern County coroner’s office.
Evans was in a 2014 Kia Optima headed southbound on Highway 395 when he drove the vehicle across solid double yellow lines “into the northbound lane in an attempt to pass two passenger vehicles and a tractor trailer already in the southbound lane,” a California Highway Patrol report states.
Evans drove directly into the path of a 2013 Ford F-350, which resulted in a head-on collision, according to the CHP report.
“This impact caused the Ford to overturn into the open desert area an undetermined number of times before coming to rest on its roof… The Kia was pushed in reverse on the east shoulder partially blocking the northbound lane,” the CHP report states.
There were two occupants in the Ford F-350, a 56-year-old driver and 63-year-old passenger, both from Bakersfield. They were transported to Ridgecrest Regional Hospital with major injuries, according to the CHP.
Evans was pronounced dead by paramedics at the scene around 1:30 p.m., according to the Kern County coroner’s office.
“Drug or alcohol impairment is not considered to be a factor in this collision at this time,” the CHP report states.
The incident remains under investigation.
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LeeAndra says
I’m sorry Kendall, why’d I have to find out this late? Why I didn’t call you back or text you sooner. I will miss your smile, your handsomeness, the ability to keep me laughing. Man I’d give anything to reach up for another hug. You big bear! From the Altima to the Kia, you were too excited about that car! My heart goes out to your grandparents & your son, & I know how dedicated of a dad/grandson you were. I promise to never hold a grudge again. God bless your family, you were an 100% guy. Man. New job after GdYr Straight to Cola, new house, new baby, I just don’t understand how. Well educated guy. Another angel looking down. Rest easy. ❤️
Idrive395 says
Passing on a blind corner. This guy flunked basic common sense driving skills.
The dude says
Those other cars should have pulled over and let him pass. Even if it was an illegal pass he was in a hurry and he probably had a good reason to illegally pass if you see someone driving head on in your lane pull over and let them pass
Gail says
It has always been amazing to me that we think we are so in control of our destiny. There is time to live and a time to die. Whatever the reason this happened it did and that is a tragedy but what I do know for sure is that character assentation whether justified or not is a form pain-and murder to the soul. This young man lost his life in a car , and injured two people, but the post of some of you are killing a multitude of people with your words. Not one single person on these post are in total control when you die. Today, you may make the right decision but you cannot promise you will tomorrow. If you just sit back for a second and think that you have taken a chance and maybe escaped death or the injury of another, but that is only by the grace of God whether you believe or not. I pray for all those involved and those who are posting assentations
The dude says
I think those two cars and semi truck should have pulled over and let him pass they should have notice that he was in a hurry and let him pass and why didn’t the truck notice him in his lane he should have pulled over and avoid the accident but no he had to be arrogant and stay in his lane that young man is loved by God and will be forgivin for his misjudgement
c.j. says
Dude, yes of course. Yours and other comments reveal that you and many others were certainly not there…I was. I don’t know if he was in a “hurry” or not. I have no idea what he was or was not thinking, but I do know this:
I was the 1st car that he tried to pass and there was no opportunity to let him back in as he swerved to the outside(left) not even trying to get back in the proper lane. On that blind corner nobody in my lane could see oncoming traffic until it is right on you. The way that corner is and where he had gotten his car, I would say that the “arrogant” Semi driver never even saw him. The car in front of me did try to pull over, but the KIA was trying to push it and got too deep and swerved to the left. He was trying to pass 2 cars and a semi on a totally blind right hand uphill curve. The chances of not causing even a minor accident or forcing the passed cars ditch their cars into the desert in this situation would be next to nil.
When the sign says DO NOT PASS it is telling you that if you try-you put everyone on the road in danger and may not make it to your destination on time or ever. I think we all agree we don’t like driving behind a slow semi, but they are there and we all have to wait until it is safe to pass.
DO NOT TELL ME OR ANYONE DRIVING IN THAT LANE WAS GUILTY OF ANYTHING OTHER THAN DRIVING SAFELY! WE WERE ALL LUCKY NOT TO BEEN INVOLVED WITH THIS WRECK OR ANY SUBSEQUENT WRECKS THAT COULD HAVE RESULTED!
Dude, are you the type of “ARROGANT” driver that passes on double yellows/blind curves and expect everyone to let you in at the last moment terrorizing the other motorists with their families in their cars? Does that give you a thrill? God Willing
Thoughts to the PG & E guys.
Prayers to the family.
I hope this post sheds some light on the tragedy. I wish I hadn’t been there. I am happy to answer any questions you may have through this post. PLEASE BE SAFE & DO NOT PASS ON DOUBLE YELLOWS.
M.N. says
Prayers to the PG&E family but not to Kendall’s? And he is the one whom actually died. You are an insensitive asshole, his daughter is an infant and he has a son. Everyone makes mistakes, you do everyday, you just have the luxury of breathing still to talk your crap.
Prayers go out to you, that God may give you a heart.
c.j. says
M.N.
I guess basic reading comprehension wasn’t your best subject….
“Thoughts to the PG & E guys.
Prayers to the family.”
Your apology is accepted.
Gtm33 says
Prayers for all families in this horrific incident. I was in the fatal crash of my cousin and best friend. My cousins mom is very upset with me 11 years later for surviving.
Heather says
R.I.P Prayers go out to the family
In a Hurry says
I’m in a hurry to get things done
Oh I rush and rush until life’s no fun
All I really gotta do is live and die
But I’m in a hurry and don’t know why.
Don’t know why
I have to drive so fast
My car has nothing to prove
It’s not new
But it’ll do 0 to 60 in 5.2
Mieschlak says
I had a younger brother who was hit by a car and killed only a block from my house. I have a younger sister who, five years later, was hit by a car at that exact same spot and spent six months in the hospital recuperating. I understand the grief this driver’s family is feeling.
But I absolutely agree with the majority of commenters. The article says – presumably from account of drivers at the scene – that HE TRIED TO PASS TWO CARS AND A SEMI ON A SOLID DOUBLE YELLOW!!! This is IDIOTIC and SUICIDAL. Nothing is worth the risk to self and others.
Finally, although this article does not so state, the involved pick-up with two occupants who suffered major injuries was a PG & E vehicle. I know this because I drove past the wreckage. Presumably the injured were on duty and their medical bills will be covered by workers’ compensation insurance for on-the-job injuries. If they survive. If either dies, and had the perpetrator lived, he could have been charged with vehicular manslaughter.
LearnHowToDrive says
And another thing: what about the people he almost killed? Do they have to be at work tomorrow? Are they barely getting by? Do they have HEALTH INSURANCE? This is America, where one accident can financially destroy a family because America can’t provide healthcare like the rest of the civilized world.
Pete says
The two men were in a PGE work truck. The weight of the truck and their seatbelts are the reason 3 people did not die in a senseless accident caused by one man’s selfish decision.
I wonder where he was going in such a hurry that it was worth risking 9 lives? And why trying to shave a couple of minutes of his travel time was worth risking his life.
The cause of this accident was due to impatience and selfishness. The sad thing is that most of the accidents on this part of 395 are not caused by residents of the Indian Wells Valley. And usually drugs and alcohol are not the reason. It is a two lane highway that is heavily traveled by trucks, semis and RVs. Many drivers are so determined to get up or down the highway that they ignore their own safety, the safety of other drivers and the innocent passengers. This accident was a little different in that the fatality was the driver that caused the dangerous situation by trying to pass when it was not safe. More often than not the victim is a resident of the Indian Wells Valley.
Yes some one died in this accident. But he did not have to die. He.made a bad decision to pass in a dangerous manner and in an unsafe place. His actions placed the lives of 8 other people in jeopardy. His actions seriously injured 2 men just trying to do their job and then get home safe to their families. Those two men face a long recovery and pain because of one person’s bad decision. The driver of the Kia’s selfish decision to pass got himself killed and now his family mourns his loss.
IT DID NOT HAVE TO HAPPEN. Until SANBAG, San Bernardino County Supervisors, KERNCOG, Kern County Supervisors made 4 lanes and wider shoulders on US 395 from I15 to Inyokern – people will continue to die. Unfortunately, it will be mostly my family, friends and co-workers that continue to pay the price in blood, pain, and property damage, and not to mention to the ciat taxpayers because someone thinks getting a mile up the road a little faster is more important to human life.
Prayers to the two innocent victims and their families. Prayers to the family and friends left behind by the Kia driver that caused the accident.
Courtney Ridgway says
Have some compassion and decency this great young man has lossed his life. Hos family is tragically suffering and you are serious bad mouthing him without complete knowledge of the situation. You should really check yourself about what you are saying because you wouldn’t publically declare this in front of his folks so watch yourself.
c.j. says
I had a front seat to the debacle as I was one of the 2 cars he was passing and nothing said above was out of line at all….all I can say is that my life was clearly in danger through his reckless driving I don’t think my family appreciated me sending them pictures from scene knowing that I was only one car behind the head-on only the fact that the PG&E truck was so large that they-the true victims-survived this. I’m trying to figure out how can you bad-mouth this guy? When I first saw this guy trying to pass I said to myself what a f’ing Idiot…my next thought was get lucky-get lucky-wasn’t to be and I had to witness the HORROR of this…I ask Why?
Erica says
It pissed me off when drivers put other drivers in danger because they are too impatient to wait for the passing lane.. It’s a solid yellow double line for a reason. I hope the other driver/passenger make a recovery.
Lakecia Hughes says
Rest in paradise cousin. Your with your dad now. I’m praying for your children. Love you
Roy says
I drive that section of Hwy 395 about 30 times a year and its sad so many people that I see passing in areas where the hwy has double yellow lines..
NoMoreAV says
Dumbazz. I see it everyday, people who can’t even comprehend a simple description on a street sign. My god, learn how to drive-and read.
LaKecia Hughes says
Have some decency! This man has family and I’m one of them. Right or wrong if this happened to your family and someone called them a name you would be upset.
Joseph says
Guess what… the two innocent men in the truck have family as well. He clearly didn’t think anything about when he pulled that stunt. Those two men in the truck are the victims…not the driver of the car.
courtney r says
You dont know what the circumstances were of that accident so you cannot determine what went on. BE RESPECTFUL OF THE DECEASED MAN AND HIS FAMILY.
Joseph says
Read the police report. It’s pretty clear.
Tim Scott says
While I agree that there is no need for name calling, the circumstances are pretty clear cut here. I’m sorry for your loss, but I do have more sympathy for the guys in the truck.
c.j. says
I know EXACTLY what happened-I WAS THERE-circumstances why he was so stupid-I don’t-to find out he had kids-REALLY? How disrespectful was he of HIS FAMILY, MY FAMILY AND THE REST OF US ON THE ROAD?
Rhonda says
For your information my son is not a dumbazz, seems to me the dumbazz is the idiot that called him that.my son made a bad decision yes to try and pass some vehicles but he has paid with his life and now we are grieving but we still love him and I pray for the people he hit May God Bless them.
So [removed] you and your mama for ever giving birth to a piece of [removed] like you
Mary says
In this case, I have to agree. I am angered by the many drivers who do this and not only are they risking their lives, they are also risking the lives of others. People travel with children and thank goodness in this case, there were NO children involved. It never fails too that when they do go around and speed up to get away from the slow car or truck in front of them, they only get a car or two ahead and they are stuck behind another slow vehicle so it isn’t worth getting in front of 2 or 3 cars and possibly losing your life.
On another note, no family deserves to lose anyone in their life and my I am deeply for this family’s loss. No one deserves to lose their life. Drivers: if you drive this road, please don’t jump lanes and try to squeeze in between cars – it isn’t worth your life, nor does anyone else deserve to lose theirs.
Lanney says
R.I.P KDubb you will truly be missed. My deepest condolences to your family…. My heart goes out to your son and your daughter!!!!
so sad says
this was completely irresponsible of the driver and could have been avoided. I hope the injured make full and swift recoveries.
Anna Lee says
I know the driver’s Mother personally, and she is grieving beyond words right now. While it may have been irresponsible, he is no longer here to defend himself, and if you could find it in your heart to pray for his family, that would be a better use of your energy, since he paid the ultimate price. I don’t know anything about you, but empathy is what’s needed, not finger pointing. He was not just an irresponsible driver, he was someone’s child.
Peter says
The young man is not here because he drove recklessly. Hr almost killed 2 other innocent men. Those men are in pain and suffering because the Kia driver ignored the signs and the lines painted on the road. I am sorry his mother is grieving but he caused her pain. He did not have to pass unless someone was holding a gun to his head or had strapped a bomb to his chest. He could have stayed in his lane, driven a few miles down the road and passed in the passing lane by the Randsburg turn off. He endangered the other two cars and the semi in his own lane. Maybe the Kia driver’s family can help share the dangers of passing on the part of 395. Share the story of his bad decision in billboards and PSA messages to help stop these unnecessary accidents that keep killing people I care about. And yes. …I knew the driver of one of the cars he passed. Just a few miles or so and there was a passing lane. Drivers need to slow down, be considerate and have patience.
Danielle says
My daughter lost her father and your insensitive jerk ass can only think about yourself, and calling him names, you have no clue what he was thinking, you have no manners and God hears everything you are saying about Kendall, HE actually died. God saved those two men and covered them. My four month old doesn’t have a father, you only think about your own friend who wasn’t harmed by the grace of God and IS alive. Yes he made a mistake, and now he is gone, our lives are changed whether you feel it’s his fault or not, we shouldn’t have to read hateful slander like this. He isn’t reading it, you are only hurting us. You are no better than anyone. You think Kendall was bad, look what you’re saying about a dead man. He made a mistake, so you say these things to hurt his family when we are already hurting just reading his name in the article? While we wish we had him back? “A bomb strapped to his chest”?! He is in heaven, your words are not hurting him. He made a mistake but you keep taking time out to down talk him, so ungodly. God hears and sees it all.
I pray for ppl like you whom apparently need Jesus.
Joseph says
Yes, he is someone’s child, but those two men are someone’s family as well. The two men are the innocent victims.