Andres Ortiz Jacinto, 39, of Salinas, California, was fatally struck by a vehicle around 6 a.m. on Saturday April 11, 2026 at the intersection of Airport Boulevard and Mercer Way in the northern part of the city near Salinas Municipal Airport. Salinas police responded to reports of a pedestrian crash and found Jacinto in the roadway suffering from critical injuries.
He was pronounced dead at the scene by Monterey County paramedics. The driver of the vehicle remained at the location and cooperated with investigators while the exact circumstances leading to the collision remain under active review.
Emergency crews from the Salinas Police Department and American Medical Response arrived quickly at the intersection of Airport Boulevard and Mercer Way after the early morning call. Officers secured the area and diverted traffic as the scene was processed for evidence including skid marks and vehicle damage. Jacinto was transported to a nearby hospital but could not be revived.
The Salinas community has expressed sorrow over the sudden loss of Andres Ortiz Jacinto at the busy intersection of Airport Boulevard and Mercer Way where commuters and airport traffic flow daily. Family members described him as a hardworking man whose presence will be deeply missed while local residents have voiced concern about pedestrian safety in the area near the airport.
Salinas police are investigating the pedestrian crash at Airport Boulevard and Mercer Way and have not released the identity of the driver or the vehicle involved pending further review. Preliminary information indicates speed or visibility may have played a role though no charges have been announced at this time. The Monterey County Coroner’s Office will conduct an autopsy to determine the exact cause of death while officers continue to gather witness statements and review any available surveillance footage from the intersection.
Residents near Airport Boulevard and Mercer Way in Salinas have called for increased safety measures including better lighting and crosswalk improvements following the fatal early morning incident involving Andres Ortiz Jacinto. The area serves as a key route for both local traffic and airport access making it prone to higher volumes during certain hours. Community leaders have urged drivers to remain vigilant in the northern part of the city as the investigation proceeds.
