Vigil Held for Mother and Son Killed in Fresno Canal Crash

Loved ones mourn Martha Hernandez and her 9-year-old son Adrian, who died in a hit-and-run incident.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 9:22pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a damaged car part or piece of evidence from the crime scene, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash against a pitch-black background, conveying the stark, gritty, and investigative nature of this tragic incident.The aftermath of a deadly hit-and-run crash exposes the grim realities of reckless driving and the need for justice.Clovis Today

A vigil was held at a Clovis salon for Martha Hernandez and her 9-year-old son Adrian, who were killed in a hit-and-run crash that sent their car into a canal in central Fresno. The 22-year-old suspect, Timothy Chavez, later turned himself in to police. Hernandez's coworkers, clients, and family members gathered to remember the beloved nail artist and her young son, who was a student at Tarpey Elementary.

Why it matters

This tragic incident has deeply impacted the Clovis and Fresno communities, highlighting the devastating consequences of reckless driving and hit-and-run crashes. The vigil brought together loved ones to mourn the loss of Martha and Adrian, and the community is now seeking justice and support for the family.

The details

Police say Hernandez and her son were driving home from an Easter celebration when their car was struck by an SUV that ran a red light, sending their vehicle into the Dry Creek Canal. The 22-year-old suspect, Timothy Chavez, later turned himself in to the Fresno County Jail and could face charges including vehicular manslaughter, hit-and-run, driving with a suspended license, and driving without insurance.

  • The incident occurred the morning after Easter Sunday.
  • The vigil was held on Tuesday night at the Chosen Salon in Old Town Clovis.

The players

Martha Hernandez

A beloved nail artist and mother who was killed in the crash.

Adrian Hernandez

Martha's 9-year-old son who was also killed in the crash.

Timothy Chavez

The 22-year-old suspect who allegedly ran a red light and crashed into the Hernandez's car, leading to a fatal hit-and-run incident.

Tarpey Elementary

The school where Adrian Hernandez was a beloved student.

Fresno Police Chief Mindy Casto

The police chief who commented on the tragedy and the ongoing investigation.

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What they’re saying

“She's a beautiful soul, and it does bring me peace knowing she's with the Lord now and so is her baby.”

— Hernandez's coworker

“I would come in, and we would just talk. She would know what words to say. She loved her boys. Her boys were her everything.”

— Hernandez's client

“She just wanted to make everybody feel beautiful. I know that even though she's not here with us, I feel her presence.”

— Hernandez's coworker

“My fondest memory of him is doing an art project with him, and it's a dream door, and what was inside his dream door was him and his mom, and saying that his dream was to always be with his mom.”

— Adrian's teacher

“She was dedicated to God. She was dedicated to her family. She was a great sister. She was a good friend. She was an amazing counselor. We never expected something like this to happen, but we pray that God will bring justice.”

— Hernandez's sister

What’s next

Police continue their investigation into the incident, and the family has set up a GoFundMe to support them.

The takeaway

This tragic loss has deeply impacted the Clovis and Fresno communities, highlighting the devastating consequences of reckless driving and hit-and-run crashes. The vigil brought together loved ones to mourn Martha and Adrian, and the community is now seeking justice and support for the family.