News Summary
A tragic DUI crash in Santa Ana led to the death of a 39-year-old bicyclist, Andrew Rodriguez, who was struck while crossing the road. Vanessa Anahi Picenavalos, a 26-year-old woman, has been arrested for driving under the influence. Rodriguez was in a designated crosswalk when the incident occurred. Emergency responders arrived, but he was pronounced dead at the scene. The Santa Ana Police Department is conducting an ongoing investigation and is seeking information from witnesses to shed light on the circumstances surrounding this unfortunate event.
Santa Ana
A 26-year-old woman from Santa Ana has been arrested following a DUI crash that resulted in the death of a 39-year-old bicyclist. The suspect, identified as Vanessa Anahi Picenavalos, was taken into custody after her vehicle struck Andrew Rodriguez, a resident of Wilmington, while he was crossing the road.
The tragic incident occurred on August 27, 2025, at around 11:35 PM on the 2500 block of North Grand Avenue. Emergency responders arrived at the scene following reports of a traffic collision, but despite their efforts, Rodriguez was pronounced dead at the site of the accident.
According to preliminary investigations conducted by local authorities, Picenavalos’s vehicle was traveling southbound on Grand Avenue when it collided with Rodriguez, who was in the designated crosswalk at the time of the accident. Following the collision, Picenavalos remained at the scene and was subsequently arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence.
Investigation Details
The Santa Ana Police Department has confirmed that the investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash is ongoing. No additional details regarding the sequence of events leading up to the incident have been released thus far.
Authorities are appealing to the public for help in gathering further information. Anyone who may have witnessed the collision or has relevant information is urged to contact Detective K. Briley at 714-245-8215 or reach out to the Santa Ana Police Department’s Traffic Division at 714-245-8200.
Background Information
Driving under the influence remains a significant concern in Santa Ana, as across the nation. Organizations dedicated to road safety continuously emphasize the importance of responsible driving to prevent tragic outcomes such as this. Pedestrian and bicyclist safety has become an increasing focus as cities work toward making roadways safer for all users.
The fate of the victim, Andrew Rodriguez, underscores the tragic impacts of impaired driving, affecting not only the victims but their families and communities. As investigators continue to look into this case, they aim to better understand the factors that contributed to the incident in hopes of preventing similar occurrences in the future.
As the investigation progresses, updates and further findings will likely be shared by local law enforcement to keep the community informed about the outcome of this unfortunate event.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Bicyclist Killed in Santa Ana Accident
Huntington Beach Investigates Two Fatal Traffic Collisions
Fatal Pedestrian Accident in Newport Beach
Off-Duty Sheriff Deputy Fatally Shoots Roommate in Tustin
Santa Ana Man Sentenced to 13 Years for Manslaughter
Unlicensed Driver Crashes Into Homes in Huntington Beach
Tragic High-Speed Collision Claims Lives of Four Teenagers
Elderly Woman Killed in DUI Crash in Huntington Beach
Lawsuit Filed by Former Costa Mesa City Manager
13-Year-Old Arrested for Causing Rancho Fire in Laguna Beach
Additional Resources
- KTLA News
- OC Register
- ABC7 News
- Wikipedia: Driving Under the Influence
- Google Search: Bicyclist Accidents in Santa Ana
Author: STAFF HERE COSTA MESA WRITER
COSTA MESA STAFF WRITER The COSTA MESA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERECostaMesa.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Costa Mesa, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the OC Fair, Concerts in the Park, and Fish Fry. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Costa Mesa Chamber of Commerce and Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Orange Coast, plus leading businesses in retail, fashion, and technology that power the local economy such as Vans, Experian, and South Coast Plaza. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HERECoronado.com, HEREHollywood.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, HERELosAngeles.com, HEREMissionViejo.com, HERESanDiego.com, and HERESantaAna.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into California's dynamic landscape.
