Authorities release name of driver killed in Merced hit-and-run collision

The Merced County Sheriff Coroner’s Office has identified the driver killed in a Merced hit-and-run collision as 55-year-old Raul Alejo Valdivias, according to Deputy Michael Domingue.

Authorities said the two-vehicle collision occurred at about 7:30 a.m. Saturday in the area of La Mesa Court and Carmen Way. Police said the man was driving a gray Honda Civic westbound on Carmen Way when it was struck by a white Hyundai Tucson traveling north on Le Mesa Street at a high rate of speed.

Arriving officers pulled the man from the vehicle and rendered medical aid but Valdivias was ultimately pronounced dead at the scene. The suspected driver of the Hyundai, identified as Jennifer Magana, 35, fled the scene after the collision.

Police said Magana was arrested later that afternoon in Merced and booked into Merced County Jail on suspicion of multiple charges including felony driving under the influence, vehicular manslaughter with gross negligence and hit-and-run resulting in injury or death.

Anyone with information regarding the incident is asked to contact Officer Craig McKeeman at 209-388-7752.