BAKERSFIELD, Calif. — The Kern County Coroner’s Office has confirmed that the driver who died in a Thanksgiving Day two-vehicle crash in McFarland, California was 60-year-old Jose Drusso Ferron. The collision occurred Thursday, November 27, 2025, at the intersection of Elmo Highway and Kendrea Street.
Officers from the McFarland Police Department responded to the scene at about 12:58 p.m., where they found two vehicles involved and one driver—later identified as Ferron—with critical injuries. Medical responders performed life-saving efforts, but Ferron was pronounced dead at the scene.
According to coroner’s officials, Ferron was declared dead at the scene roughly 14 minutes after the collision.
At this time, no arrests have been made. Authorities say the crash remains under investigation as they work to piece together what happened.
Witnesses and investigators noted that while the second vehicle involved did not require immediate hospitalization, the nature of the intersection — rural, with Elmo Highway serving as a main thoroughfare — often carries risks such as limited visibility, high travel speeds, and potential distraction. Investigators will review traffic control compliance, road conditions, vehicle data, and any eyewitness accounts as part of their investigation.
Friends, neighbors, and residents expressed sorrow over the tragedy. Many noted that while such intersections may seem routine, they can become dangerous in an instant. For Ferron’s family — now facing an unexpected Thanksgiving without him — the pain is acute, and the community is left to wonder how a typical Thursday afternoon could end so starkly.
As the investigation continues, the McFarland Police Department urges anyone with information about the crash to come forward. No further details — including potential contributing circumstances like speeding or mechanical failure — have been released. The toll on the town serves as a painful reminder of how fragile life can be — even on a day meant for gratitude.
