Fatal Traffic Collision - Claus Road and Orangeburg Avenue 

October 2, 2026 – Modesto Police Department officials report that on Thursday morning at approximately 6:00 a.m., Modesto Police officers responded to a report of a vehicle-versus-pedestrian collision near the intersection of Claus Road and East Orangeburg Avenue.

Officers and emergency medical personnel arrived and located an adult male who had been struck by a vehicle. The pedestrian, who was using a mobility wheelchair at the time of the collision, was pronounced deceased at the scene.

The preliminary investigation indicates the pedestrian was in or near the crosswalk, traveling from the east side of Claus Road toward the west side, when he was struck by a vehicle traveling northbound on Claus Road. The driver remained at the scene and cooperated with investigators. The circumstances and cause of the collision remain under investigation.

The pedestrian has been identified as Darrell Kostner, 63. His family has been notified.

This collision remains under investigation by the Modesto Police Department Traffic Safety Unit.

Investigators are asking anyone who witnessed the collision, or who may have information regarding the events leading up to it, to contact Officer Beverson:

Email: BeversonJ@modestopd.com

Phone: (209) 652-1836

Source: Modesto Police Department