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The Kings County Coroner’s Office has confirmed the tragic passing of Dr. Wiley Elick, an 82-year-old pediatric dentist from Lemoore, following a two-car crash near Hanford this past weekend.
According to the California Highway Patrol, the collision occurred shortly before 11 a.m. on Saturday at the intersection of Grangeville Boulevard and 15th Avenue. Investigators say a 2014 Honda Accord veered off the road and then re-entered traffic, resulting in a head-on crash with a 2024 Tesla Model 3.
Multiple people were transported to a local hospital, including three Tesla passengers and the driver of the Honda. Dr. Elick, who was involved in the crash, later succumbed to his injuries. He was the only fatality reported. As of Tuesday, no further updates have been released regarding the condition of the others injured in the collision.
News of Dr. Elick’s death has deeply shaken the community. Known affectionately as “the Kids Dentist,” he operated Wiley M. Elick, D.D.S., Inc. in Lemoore for over four decades. Dr. Elick cared for generations of children in Kings County and was widely admired for his warm personality, gentle care, and dedication.
The full tribute and official statement can be read on the practice’s Facebook page.
Messages of love and gratitude have flooded the comments section. Former patients, parents, and staff have shared stories that reflect the immense impact Dr. Elick had on their lives.
Staff expressed heartbreak, calling this the post they “never wanted to make.” They described Dr. Elick as a pillar of strength and kindness. From driving tractors in Five Points at age 12 to studying in England and earning his degree at Loma Linda University, his life journey inspired many. He raised three children in Lemoore and helped operate a pistachio farm, all while dedicating himself to his dental practice.
Many shared personal memories:
“My daughter used to beg to go see Dr. Elick,” one parent wrote. “He made the experience that enjoyable.”
Another recalled, “He was the best dentist for our autistic son. He always made sure he was comfortable and never rushed.”
Others remembered driving long distances just for appointments. “We used to travel from San Diego because he was the only one my daughter trusted,” one woman said.
His humor also left a mark. “He always shot his gloves into the trash like he was playing basketball. My granddaughter thought it was hilarious.”
Some shared stories of his generosity. “When my son got hit in the mouth with a baseball, the office was closed, but Dr. Elick met us at Starbucks to check on him.”
Staff also reflected on his legacy: “I worked with him 22 years ago. He was one of the kindest souls I’ve ever met.”
“He was the only dentist in the Valley who could treat my special needs daughter with such patience and grace,” another parent shared.
“He saw three generations in our family,” one family wrote. “This loss is devastating.”
Dr. Elick was also a man of faith. “He lived with purpose and served others with humility. I know he’s with God now,” one message read.
His office confirmed that Dr. Mung, who worked alongside Dr. Elick for the past two and a half years, will continue providing care for patients. They also invited the public to submit photos and memories for an upcoming memorial slideshow.
Dr. Wiley Elick will be remembered not only as a dentist but as a trusted mentor, friend, and community leader. His legacy will live on through the countless lives he touched in Lemoore and beyond.
Francisco Ramirez is the founder of Kings Network News and creator of Kings Network Business, a platform that blends business networking, community support, and social media to uplift local entrepreneurs.
As a former Mayor of Hanford, California, he launched the Winter Wonderland event and brings over 20 years of business consulting experience. He is also a motivational speaker, life coach, strategist, author, podcaster, and skilled web and graphic designer.
He created The Invisible Kid: Courage to Succeed, a seminar on self-esteem and anti-bullying that has inspired youth across the region. Through media and consulting, Francisco empowers others to lead, grow, and make an impact.
