Los Angeles, CA – Pedestrian Killed in Hit-and-Run at Florence Ave & Towne Ave

Los Angeles, CA (May 16, 2025) – A hit and run crash took place early Friday morning in Southeast Los Angeles in which a pedestrian lost their life.

Shortly before 12:40 a.m. on May 16, authorities received calls reporting a person down in the roadway at the intersection of East Florence Avenue and Towne Avenue. Emergency personnel rushed to the scene and found the pedestrian with life-threatening injuries. Despite efforts to render aid, the victim was pronounced deceased at the location. The driver involved fled before help arrived, leaving the scene without offering assistance.

The Los Angeles Police Department is actively searching for the suspect driver and any potential witnesses who may have seen the incident or possess relevant dashcam or surveillance footage. Traffic in the area was temporarily affected as investigators worked to collect evidence and clear the roadway. Officials have not yet released the identity of the victim, pending notification of next of kin.

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

Car Accidents in California

California sees more pedestrian-involved accidents than nearly any other state. According to data from the California Office of Traffic Safety, pedestrian fatalities continue to rise each year, with thousands seriously hurt or killed statewide. Many of these crashes occur in urban settings, often during low-visibility hours such as early morning or nighttime. There are many aspects to consider after a fatal hit-and-run like this. Below are some factors that highlight the impact of such events:

• Driver Responsibility: California law requires drivers involved in any collision—especially those resulting in injury or death—to remain at the scene. Leaving the site of a crash is a serious criminal offense that compounds the tragedy for victims and their families.
• Challenges in Identifying Suspects: Without immediate eyewitness accounts or video evidence, law enforcement often faces obstacles in tracking down hit-and-run suspects. Community cooperation is essential to solving these cases.
• Victim Support and Resources: Families dealing with loss may be eligible for victim compensation through state programs, but they also need legal guidance to secure full accountability and financial recovery.
• Long-Term Impact on Families: Beyond the immediate loss, families often face ongoing emotional and financial strain. Legal action can play a key role in easing some of these burdens.

If you lost a loved one in a crash, call our Los Angeles wrongful death attorney at the Law Offices of John C. Ye today. Acting quickly ensures evidence is preserved and your rights are protected from the outset. Let our attorneys help you determine fault, seek justice, and obtain full financial recovery for your loss. We can support you through the legal process so you don’t have to face this alone.

At the Law Offices of John C. Ye, we understand how painful these moments can be. That’s why we offer free consultations and personal care to every client. We’ve recovered over $300 million for people hurt in the Los Angeles area. With a team that speaks English, Spanish, Tagalog, and Korean, we make sure every voice is heard and every need met. Our legal team focuses solely on injury cases, so you’ll have someone in your corner who understands the system and how to fight for what you deserve. If you or someone close to you has been affected by a traffic accident, call us now at 866-771-9467 to start your free case review. Let’s work together to find justice and relief.

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.