Marcio Cardiel Obituary, Death Cause – Authorities in Kern County have released new details regarding a tragic traffic incident involving a bicyclist who lost his life after being struck by a vehicle that fled the scene. The Kern County Coroner’s Office identified the victim as 32-year-old Marcio Cardiel, a resident of Bakersfield. The incident occurred on the night of October 26 along Weedpatch Highway, north of Muller Road.
According to the California Highway Patrol (CHP), officers received a call at around 9:40 p.m. after someone reported finding a person unresponsive near the side of the highway. When officers arrived, they discovered Cardiel lying along the east shoulder of the road. Sadly, he was pronounced deceased at the scene.
Preliminary findings from the CHP’s investigation suggest that Cardiel had been riding his bicycle northbound on Weedpatch Highway, close to the east edge of the road. At some point, an unknown vehicle traveling in the same direction struck him from behind. The impact caused Cardiel to be thrown from his bicycle, landing on the dirt shoulder nearby. The driver of the vehicle did not stop and continued north, leaving the scene before law enforcement arrived.
Investigators have not yet determined the exact time of the collision, as the report was received after Cardiel had already been found. The CHP is currently working to identify the vehicle and the driver involved. Officers are reviewing evidence collected from the area and have appealed to the public for assistance in locating any possible witnesses or surveillance footage that could shed light on the events leading up to the crash.
Authorities have not ruled out any potential contributing factors, including speeding, visibility conditions, or driver impairment. They noted that the presence of alcohol or drugs has not yet been confirmed and remains under active investigation. The CHP emphasized that determining whether any substances played a role in the incident is an important part of their ongoing forensic review.
Community members in Bakersfield have expressed deep concern about safety for cyclists along rural and dimly lit roads such as Weedpatch Highway. The stretch of road where the collision occurred is known to have limited lighting and narrow shoulders, conditions that can pose challenges for both drivers and cyclists. Officials are reminding motorists to remain alert, especially at night, and to share the road responsibly with cyclists and pedestrians.
The Kern County Coroner’s Office will be conducting further analysis as part of the official report, including toxicology and post-incident evaluations, to assist investigators in establishing a clearer timeline and determining any contributing factors.
Meanwhile, the California Highway Patrol Bakersfield Area Office is asking anyone who may have witnessed the crash, noticed a damaged vehicle in the area, or has any information about the driver to come forward. Witnesses can contact officers directly by calling (661) 396-6600. Tips can be shared anonymously, and any detail—no matter how small—could prove valuable in helping investigators identify the person responsible.
This heartbreaking incident underscores the dangers that cyclists face on public roads and highlights the importance of vigilance from both drivers and cyclists to prevent further tragedies. Authorities continue to stress the need for motorists to keep a safe distance from bicycles, reduce speed when passing, and stay fully focused while driving, especially during nighttime hours.
As the investigation continues, the community is rallying around Cardiel’s family, offering condolences and calling for increased road safety measures. The CHP and local law enforcement remain committed to pursuing all leads to ensure accountability in this case.
Anyone with further information is urged to assist by contacting law enforcement as soon as possible.
