Zhen Cheng Kuang Obituary, Death – A 76-year-old Sacramento man who was seriously injured in a hit-and-run collision earlier this month has passed away from his injuries, officials confirmed Monday. Zhen Cheng Kuang died on May 13, just over a week after the crash that left him hospitalized in critical condition. According to the Sacramento County Coroner’s Office, Kuang had been struck by a vehicle while riding his bicycle on the morning of May 5, near the intersection of 24th Street and Fruitridge Road in the city’s Mangan Park neighborhood.
The incident happened at approximately 9:30 a.m., when Kuang was traveling on his bicycle. A driver struck him and fled the scene before law enforcement could arrive. Emergency responders quickly transported Kuang to a nearby hospital where he was treated for what authorities described as life-threatening injuries. Despite medical efforts, Kuang succumbed to his injuries eight days later.
Following the crash, the Sacramento Police Department launched an investigation and was eventually able to identify and arrest a suspect. A 29-year-old man was taken into custody and booked into the Sacramento County Main Jail on the same day of his arrest. He was charged on suspicion of felony hit-and-run resulting in serious injury. However, according to recent court records, a case file for the suspect has yet to appear in the Sacramento Superior Court system, suggesting that formal charges may still be pending or under review.
Police have stated that the investigation into the case remains active, particularly in light of Kuang’s death. It is not yet known whether the suspect will face upgraded charges, such as vehicular manslaughter or felony hit-and-run resulting in death. Authorities have not released the name of the arrested individual, and no additional details have been provided about what led investigators to him or what evidence tied him to the crash.
The area where the accident took place, near the intersection of 24th Street and Fruitridge Road, is part of the Mangan Park neighborhood in south Sacramento. It is a busy corridor that sees regular traffic and includes residential and commercial properties. Residents in the area have voiced concerns over pedestrian and cyclist safety in recent years, with some calling for improved infrastructure, such as bike lanes and better signage, to protect vulnerable road users.
Kuang’s death has brought renewed attention to the issue of hit-and-run incidents involving cyclists and pedestrians, especially those that result in serious injury or fatalities. Advocacy groups and local community leaders have emphasized the importance of driver accountability and the need for continued efforts to improve road safety. Hit-and-run crashes, they note, can leave victims without immediate aid and often make it more difficult for authorities to bring responsible parties to justice.
Under California law, drivers involved in any accident resulting in injury or death are required to stop and render aid. Fleeing the scene not only endangers the victim further but also carries significant legal consequences. When a hit-and-run leads to death, the consequences can include felony charges, license suspension, and substantial prison time if the suspect is convicted.
For Kuang’s family and loved ones, the loss is both personal and devastating. Community members have expressed their condolences, describing Kuang as a longtime Sacramento resident who enjoyed biking and was well-known in his neighborhood. His passing marks another tragic example of the risks cyclists face on city streets.
The Sacramento Police Department continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash, including what may have contributed to the driver’s decision to flee the scene. They are also working with the district attorney’s office to determine the next legal steps in light of Kuang’s passing.
As the investigation moves forward, law enforcement has encouraged anyone who may have witnessed the crash or has information related to the case to come forward. Public cooperation can be vital in hit-and-run cases, where eyewitness accounts, surveillance footage, or tips from the community often play a key role in identifying suspects and holding them accountable.
Zhen Cheng Kuang’s death underscores the dangers vulnerable road users face and highlights the ongoing issue of hit-and-run incidents in urban areas. While the suspect is currently out of custody, his legal status may change as the case develops. Meanwhile, Sacramento police and prosecutors will likely examine whether additional charges should be filed to reflect the fatal outcome of the crash.
As the community grieves the loss of a fellow resident, discussions are also beginning about how to prevent similar tragedies in the future. Road safety advocates are calling for measures such as better street lighting, protected bike lanes, and stricter enforcement of traffic laws to ensure cyclists like Kuang can travel safely. In remembering Kuang, neighbors and city leaders alike are hoping to use this moment to spur change and honor his life with lasting improvements to public safety.
