On May 6, 2024, in Bakersfield, California, 42-year-old Michael Ray Aguirre was involved in a hit-and-run incident near Union Avenue and Niles Street. According to the Bakersfield Police Department, officers were dispatched to the scene just before noon following reports of the collision. While en route, additional reports indicated that gunshots had been fired in the vicinity.
Preliminary investigations suggest that Aguirre fled the scene of the accident and attempted to conceal himself in a nearby area. Officers later discovered him in an alley on the 10 block of Oregon Street, suffering from what appeared to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
The Kern County Coroner's Office conducted a postmortem examination to determine the exact cause and manner of Aguirre's death. The investigation concluded that his death was due to a self-inflicted gunshot wound, and no other suspects were involved in the incident.
In the aftermath of his passing, Aguirre's family organized a GoFundMe campaign to assist with funeral expenses and to support his three children. The campaign highlighted the family's profound grief and the financial challenges they faced during this difficult time.
Prior to this incident, Aguirre had a history of legal issues, including arrests for driving under the influence and other related offenses. Notably, he was arrested on January 27, 2022, for failing to appear after a written promise, DUI alcohol/drugs, and DUI with a blood alcohol content over .08.
The tragic events of May 6, 2024, culminated in Aguirre's death by suicide following the hit-and-run incident. Authorities have closed the case, concluding that there were no additional suspects or arrests related to his death.
