Family identifies Fresno County man killed in hit-and-run go-kart crash

FRESNO COUNTY, Calif. (KFSN) — A family is heartbroken after a family member is killed in a traffic accident in Fresno County.

The California Highway Patrol said authorities responded to 911 calls that a man was struck while go-karting on Mountain View Avenue near Peach Avenue Saturday morning.

The family has identified the victim as that man – 38-year-old Kenneth Owens.

RELATED TOPICS: Man killed while driving go-kart in hit-and-run accident in Fresno County

When officers arrived, Owens was unresponsive and died at the scene. The driver, who authorities say did not stop to check on Owens, was reportedly driving a Toyota Tacoma pickup truck that was very similar to the model shown here.

“We absolutely cannot believe that the group did not know they had struck someone or something.” Mike Salas of the CHP said it was not known if the driver of the Tacoma knew Owens. “That's what we're saying, this Toyota Tacoma will most likely have some type of front-end damage.”

Salas adds that the driver of the Tacoma faces two charges of vehicular manslaughter and hit-and-run.

Rachelle Resendez is Owen's sister. She said he lived in the area where the accident occurred and was driving the go-kart, which is not street legal.

She adds that her brother loved Halloween and enjoyed working at Hobb's Grove in the fall. She says he will be missed by many.

“He had a lot of friends reach out to him, a lot of family members, you know, close cousins, siblings. So it definitely affected a lot of people,” Resendez said.

The great love and support helped her family to get through this difficult time.

Resendez said that while she hopes for justice for her brother, she still holds on to childhood memories from years ago.

“He's actually the one who taught me how to ride a bike. He taught me how to climb trees and how to get into all kinds of trouble. So I have a lot of great memories with him,” Resendez said.

The CHP is urging anyone with information about the accident to come forward and reminds possible witnesses that they can remain anonymous.

The family has set up a fundraising page to help with funeral arrangements. Click here if you would like to help.

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