Los Angeles, CA – Fatal Hit-And-Run Crash on E Colden Ave

Los Angeles, CA (August 18, 2025) – A deadly hit-and-run crash took place in the early morning hours of Monday, August 18, leaving one person dead in Southeast Los Angeles. Authorities with the Los Angeles Police Department were called to the scene at approximately 1:24 a.m. following reports of a pedestrian being struck along East Colden Avenue near South San Pedro Street.

According to investigators, the victim was walking in the area when a vehicle traveling at a high rate of speed hit them and fled the scene without stopping. First responders arrived quickly and found the victim in critical condition. Despite lifesaving efforts at the scene, the individual succumbed to their injuries shortly after.

The identity of the victim has not yet been released, pending notification of next of kin. Detectives with LAPD’s South Traffic Division are leading the investigation and searching for the driver involved.

We hope the family and loved ones of the victim find peace and support during this time.

Fatal Accidents in California

Fatal hit-and-run crashes remain a serious concern across California. According to state data, more than 3,500 people lose their lives in traffic-related incidents every year. Many of these cases involve reckless or negligent driving, with hit-and-run incidents accounting for a disturbing number of fatalities.

When tragedies like these occur, it’s important to understand what often contributes to such heartbreaking outcomes. Here are a few common factors often involved in deadly crashes:

• Excessive Speeding: Drivers who travel well above posted speed limits have significantly less time to react and cause far more severe injuries in collisions. High-speed crashes are especially deadly for pedestrians.

• Low Lighting Conditions: Accidents that occur in the early morning hours or at night are often worsened by poor visibility. Pedestrians walking in dimly lit areas are at much higher risk of being struck.

• Impaired Driving: Alcohol or drug use continues to be a leading cause of fatal traffic accidents in California. Impaired drivers often have slowed reaction times and poor judgment.

• Failure to Yield to Pedestrians: In many pedestrian accidents, drivers fail to yield in crosswalks or areas without signals. This disregard for right-of-way can lead to fatal consequences, especially in residential neighborhoods.

• Fleeing the Scene: Hit-and-run drivers not only break the law by leaving, but they also deny victims potentially life-saving assistance. The lack of immediate aid can mean the difference between life and death.

If your loved one was killed in a hit-and-run crash, it is important to speak with a dedicated wrongful death attorney in Los Angeles in California.

At the Law Offices of John C. Ye, we know that no amount of money can undo your loss—but we are here to fight for the justice and accountability your family deserves. Our legal team has recovered over $300 million in damages for clients across the Los Angeles area. We only handle personal injury cases, giving each case the attention it needs. With multilingual staff available in Spanish, Tagalog, and Korean, we ensure you feel heard and supported throughout the process.

We offer free consultations and only get paid if we win your case. Call the Law Offices of John C. Ye today at 866-771-9467 to speak directly with a compassionate attorney about your rights and options. You don’t have to face this alone—we’re here to help.

Note: Our law office uses outside sources in the creation of this post. We have not independently verified all of the facts surrounding this incident, therefore, if you do find any information that is not correct, please contact the Law Offices of John C. Ye so that we can update the post to reflect the most accurate information available. We will remove a post upon request.

Disclaimer: This post is intended to be informational and is not a solicitation for business. The information provided in this post is not intended to be legal or medical advice. If you or someone you love has been injured in an accident, please get medical attention right away. The photo used in this post was not taken at the actual scene of this accident.