Jose Bibriesca Garduno, 28, was killed in a crash on Highway 46 early this morning when he was on his way to work at The Wonderful Company.
Garduno is from Santa Cruz County but comes to Wasco during pistachio harvest season to work and has been doing this for the past four years.
Hhe highway patrol Garduno drifted into the right-hand shoulder and overcorrected into the left lane, rotating into the other lane and straight into a pick-up truck.
According to his family, Garduno was married with a 6-year-old son.
“It’s not uncommon. Our outlying areas surrounding Kern County and those two lane roadways can be very deadly,” said Robert Rodriguez, CHP Public Information Officer.
There have been many deadly crashes on Highway 46, including one crash that killed three Wonderful Company farm workers, almost exactly two years ago, during harvest. And last year, a van crashed with a big rig along the highway, killing two people and injuring four others.
“That’s why it is imperative that people pay attention to their driving, reduce your speed,” said Rodriguez.
People driving on these two-lane roadways are told to stay focused while driving.
“We want everyone to be mindful of their speed, put anything down that causes distractions and always drive sober,” Rodriguez said.
The Wonderful Company made a statement about Garduno saying:
“This morning an automobile accident took place on Highway 46 involving one of our seasonal employees, who died from his injuries. We are unable to provide any further information until law enforcement has completed its investigation. All of us at The Wonderful Company are deeply saddened by this tragic accident, and we wish to extend our sympathies to the family and friends of the deceased and are offering whatever support we can during this difficult time.” –The Wonderful Company.
