On June 8, 2026, at approximately 12:51 a.m., officers from the Santa Maria Police Department, along with personnel from the Santa Maria Fire Department and American Medical Response, responded to the 800 block of Black Road regarding a reported single-vehicle traffic collision.
Preliminary investigation indicates a vehicle was traveling southbound on Black Road when, for reasons still under investigation, it veered into the northbound lane, left the roadway, entered a water ditch, and struck a power pole.
The driver has been identified as 38-year-old, Aaron Hernandez of Santa Maria. Hernandez was the sole occupant of the vehicle, sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene.
The cause of the collision remains under investigation. Investigators are working to determine the circumstances that led to the crash.
Anyone who witnessed the collision or has information related to this investigation is encouraged to contact the Santa Maria Police Department Traffic Unit at (805) 928-3781.
Authored By: Todd Logan, Lieutenant
Santa Maria Police Department
1111 W. Betteravia Rd.,
Santa Maria, Ca. 93455
