Atwater, CA (February 4th, 2026) — The family of the man found dead along southbound Highway 99 near the Applegate Road overpass earlier this week has identified him as 28-year-old Juan Olvera Garibo. California Highway Patrol previously reported that officers responded around noon to a report of a pedestrian lying on the right shoulder of the highway and determined no vehicle was involved. Investigators indicated the 28-year-old man may have fallen or jumped from the overpass, and the investigation remains ongoing.
Family members said they were later notified that Juan’s death was being treated as a suicide. His cousin, Roberto Alcazar, said the family is now working to raise funds to cover funeral expenses and to determine whether Juan will be buried locally or returned to Mexico to be laid to rest with his mother. A GoFundMe campaign has been created by Alcazar and his sister to assist with burial costs.
“His name was Juan Olvera Garibo,” Alcazar said in a statement. “We are raising funds to have a normal burial or to send him to his mother back in Mexico. We need all the help we can get from the community if there is any possible way.”
According to Alcazar, Juan had been living in the Merced area with relatives but had recently moved and lost contact with them. “Juan was a very good kid,” he said. “He was just lonely, and I’m pretty sure he felt more lonely when he lost contact with everyone, including us, his cousins.”
If you or someone you know is struggling, help is available. In the U.S., the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline offers free, confidential support 24 hours a day by calling or texting 988. Spanish-language services are available. In emergencies, call 911.
The GoFundMe can be accessed here
