The Kern County community is mourning the loss of two young men, Alexes Napoleon Perez Rivera and Samuel Ignacio Hernandez Cervantes, both 20, who tragically lost their lives in a devastating crash late Friday night.

According to the Kern County Coroner’s Office, Rivera, of Bakersfield, was driving southbound on Highway 99 north of Union Avenue at approximately 11:17 p.m. when his vehicle struck a metal guardrail. The impact caused the vehicle to lose control, resulting in a violent crash.

Cervantes, also of Bakersfield, was a passenger in the car and was ejected from the vehicle during the collision. Despite emergency response efforts, both men were pronounced dead at the scene.

Two female passengers sustained major injuries and were transported to Kern Medical for treatment, authorities said.

Family, friends, and the Bakersfield community are left heartbroken by the sudden loss of these two young lives, each remembered for their unique personalities, dreams, and the impact they had on those around them.

Funeral arrangements and memorial service details will be shared by the families in the coming days.