By Crash News Writer 
Big Bear, CA (September 2, 2026) – A construction worker lost his life after being struck by a vehicle that entered a closed work zone Monday morning along State Route 38 in the Big Bear area.
According to the California Highway Patrol, the fatal collision occurred at approximately 7:07 a.m. on August 31 along eastbound State Route 38 east of Green Way Drive. Authorities identified the victim as Edgar Chavez, 43, of Riverside.
Investigators reported that a 2012 Toyota traveling eastbound drove through a marked construction cone pattern and entered the closed work zone, where it struck Chavez as he was working in the roadway. Emergency personnel responded to the scene and provided medical care before Chavez was transported to Bear Valley Hospital. Despite lifesaving efforts, he later succumbed to his injuries.
Officials said the driver continued eastbound after the collision without stopping. Investigators later identified the driver as 90-year-old Donal Parker, who was located and arrested Monday afternoon in Big Bear Lake on suspicion of felony hit-and-run. The charge is an allegation, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
State Route 38 remained closed for several hours while investigators processed the scene before reopening shortly before 3:30 p.m. The California Highway Patrol continues to investigate why the vehicle entered the construction closure.
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Fatal crashes occurring in highway work zones often leave families facing overwhelming emotional loss while also raising difficult legal questions regarding liability, insurance coverage, workplace safety, and financial recovery. Surviving family members may be entitled to pursue compensation for medical expenses, funeral costs, lost financial support, and other damages depending on the circumstances surrounding the collision. Taking prompt legal action can also help preserve critical evidence before it is lost or destroyed.
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If you are searching online after a car accident near me, obtaining reliable information as soon as possible is important. Families affected by a car accident near Big Bear should preserve photographs, medical records, and any documentation related to the incident. Requesting the official car accident report can also provide valuable information while investigators continue reviewing the collision.
Many people search for guidance following a car accident near me involving a highway work zone. If your family has been affected by a car accident near Big Bear, consulting with an attorney before making important legal decisions may help protect your rights. Obtaining the official car accident report is another important step during the investigation.
PLEASE TAKE NOTICE
The information contained in this article is based on preliminary reports released by investigating authorities and may be updated as additional facts become available. Readers seeking additional information can review frequently asked questions in California.
- Authorities identified the victim as Edgar Chavez.
- Criminal charges filed in this case are allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
- Additional investigative findings regarding the cause of the collision may be released as officials continue their review of the incident.
Families seeking additional guidance after a fatal collision can review accident resources in California.
The content of this article is provided for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal or medical advice. All information is based on public reports available at the time of publication and may change as investigators release additional details. Readers are encouraged to seek qualified legal counsel if they or someone they know has been involved in a similar incident. The publisher assumes no liability for actions taken or not taken based on this information. Learn more by reading our disclaimer.
If your family has lost a loved one in a fatal hit-and-run collision, contact an experienced California personal injury lawyer as soon as possible to discuss your legal rights and available options.