Ruben Diza Agbayani Obituary, Death – Authorities in Kern County have released new information regarding a tragic traffic incident involving an elderly bicyclist who passed away after being struck by a vehicle. The Kern County Coroner’s Office confirmed that the man who died as a result of the collision was 81-year-old Ruben Diza Agbayani, a resident of Bakersfield.
According to the coroner’s report, the incident took place on the morning of November 17, 2025, at approximately 8:40 a.m. Agbayani had been riding his bicycle along Belle Terrace, just west of Butler Road, when he was hit by a passing vehicle. Emergency responders were called to the scene and quickly transported him to Kern Medical for treatment. Despite receiving medical care over several days, Agbayani sadly passed away on November 22 from injuries connected to the crash.
News of his passing has prompted expressions of sympathy throughout the community, especially among residents familiar with the busy stretch of roadway where the incident occurred. Belle Terrace is a well-traveled area for both drivers and people who commute on foot or by bicycle, and the collision has renewed attention on roadway safety and the importance of awareness among all users.
As is standard procedure in cases involving serious or fatal traffic incidents, local authorities continue to review the circumstances surrounding the collision. Investigators typically examine factors such as traffic conditions, weather, vehicle speed, and the positioning of both the driver and bicyclist at the time of the crash. Officials have not yet released additional information regarding the driver involved, nor have they indicated whether any citations or charges are being considered pending the outcome of the investigation.
The loss of an elderly resident under such circumstances has a profound emotional impact on families and the broader community. Agbayani’s identity being made public allows relatives, friends, and neighbors to begin the process of grieving and honoring his memory. At 81 years old, he was part of a generation that contributed greatly to the Bakersfield community, and his passing is being met with heartfelt condolences from those who knew him.
The incident also serves as an important reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by bicyclists, particularly older adults who may rely on bicycles for exercise, mobility, or daily transportation. Collisions involving cyclists can happen quickly, and even minor impacts may lead to significant injuries because riders are largely unprotected. Community members are encouraged to remain mindful while on the road—both as drivers and as cyclists—and to take steps that enhance safety, such as reducing speed in residential or mixed-traffic areas, using designated cycling lanes when available, and wearing visible clothing.
Local officials often stress that roadway safety is a shared responsibility. Drivers are reminded to stay alert for bicyclists, especially during morning hours when traffic tends to increase, and cyclists are encouraged to adhere to traffic signals and travel in the direction of posted flow. When both groups take appropriate precautions, the risk of collisions can be significantly reduced.
As the investigation continues, authorities may release additional details when they are available and confirmed. For now, the community reflects on the loss of Ruben Diza Agbayani and offers support to those affected by his passing. His death highlights the need for ongoing attention to safe road-sharing practices, particularly along major corridors where cyclists and vehicles travel side by side.
