San Diego has recently mourned the tragic loss of two pedestrians killed in separate hit-and-run accidents. Celeste Necochea, 61, was found dead on the side of Sea World Drive in Ocean Beach on Saturday, August 31, 2025, approximately 12 hours after the collision occurred around midnight. Police report that Necochea was struck when a vehicle rear-ended another car, pushing it off the road, and then fled the scene. Her body was discovered in the bushes by the roadside, and the driver remains at large. Necochea was a beloved community member, known for her generosity and volunteer efforts despite being unhoused for over a decade.
Earlier that same month, Mandy Rebecca Booth, 51, was fatally struck by a vehicle in a hit-and-run on Friday, August 8, 2025, around 11:30 pm in the 4400 block of North Harbor Drive near Laning Road in Point Loma. Harbor Police responded immediately and attempted lifesaving efforts, but Booth unfortunately died at the scene. Authorities are seeking the driver, whose vehicle likely sustained front-end damage.
Both of these incidents highlight the dangers pedestrians face on San Diego’s roadways. If your family has been impacted by a pedestrian accident or a hit-and-run, the attorneys at Singleton Schreiber are here to help. Contact us today to discuss your legal options.
Understanding Pedestrian-Vehicle Collisions and Hit-and-Runs
Pedestrian accidents are often among the most severe types of vehicle collisions. When a pedestrian is struck, even at moderate speeds, the forces involved can result in catastrophic or fatal injuries. Common contributing factors include:
- Drivers failing to yield at crosswalks or intersections
- Poor lighting or visibility, especially at night
- Speeding or distracted driving
- Alcohol or substance impairment
- Roadway design issues that create hazards for pedestrians
Hit-and-run accidents add another layer of danger and trauma. Drivers may flee the scene due to fear of legal consequences, impaired judgment, or lack of insurance. Leaving the scene not only violates the law, but it also denies victims the immediate medical attention they may need to survive.
“Pedestrian collisions are devastating because the human body is extremely vulnerable to the forces generated by a moving vehicle,” says Gerald Singleton, managing partner of Singleton Schreiber. “Even low-speed collisions can result in severe injuries or death. Hit-and-run incidents complicate matters further, leaving victims and their families without answers. In these cases, liability may extend to the driver and, in certain circumstances, others responsible for roadway safety.”
Legal Options for Families of Hit-and-Run Victims
The families of Celeste Necochea and Mandy Booth may have legal avenues to pursue justice and compensation. In California, wrongful death claims allow surviving family members to seek compensation for losses resulting from a loved one’s death. Compensation can include:
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Medical bills related to the crash
- Loss of financial support or income
- Emotional suffering and loss of companionship
Investigating a hit-and-run often involves locating the responsible driver, examining vehicle damage, and gathering witness statements or video evidence. Pursuing these claims not only helps families cope with financial burdens but also holds negligent drivers accountable for their actions.
If your family has suffered the loss of a loved one in a hit-and-run, Singleton Schreiber’s experienced legal team can help. Contact us today to discuss your case and explore your options for justice and compensation.
