Coroner Identifies Victims in Tragic Highway 65 Collision [Bakersfield, CA]

BAKERSFIELD, CA (March 19, 2024) — The Kern County Coroner’s Office has disclosed the names of Richard Eugene Myrick, 64, and Star Anne Myrick, 58, as the victims of a devastating head-on collision on Highway 65, north of Bakersfield. The tragic incident happened on January 17, claiming the lives of both individuals at the scene due to their injuries.

The crash occurred around 6:45 p.m., north of Highway 155, when a vehicle strayed into the opposing lane, colliding with a pickup truck. The impact was so severe that it sent both vehicles off the road, with the truck catching fire shortly after. Several bystanders managed to rescue the driver from the blazing truck before the arrival of the Kern County Fire Department.

The California Highway Patrol (CHP) is still investigating why the vehicle veered across the highway, leading to the catastrophic Bakersfield Highway 65 collision. This incident serves as a somber reminder of the unpredictable nature of road travel and the importance of vigilance while driving.