By DJ Becker / The Madera News January 22nd, 2022.
A man walking eastbound in the roadway on Ave 23 east of Road 17 1/2 was struck and killed by a westbound driver in a 2006 Chevy Silverado just before 7 pm Saturday night, according to the California Highway Patrol. Authorities have identified the fatality as Matthew Heffington, 38 years old and a resident of Chowchilla. Toxicology reports are pending.
Heffington was reportedly walking with another man in the unlighted rural area of orchards. Both men were wearing dark clothing according to officers, but only Heffington was walking within the roadway. It is not known what the two men were doing on foot in the area. The 46-year-old male driver that hit the pedestrian was not injured, stayed at the scene and called emergency services. Alcohol and excessive speed do not appear to be factors in the fatal collision at this time, according to CHP. The conditions were clear and dark at the time of the incident.
