Mateo, 61, was struck by an SUV at the intersection of San Pedro and 95th Streets
LOS ANGELES, CA, (August 18, 2025) - A 61-year-old man lost his life in a hit-and-run crash early Monday morning in Los Angeles.
Celestino Mateo was tragically killed early Monday morning in a hit-and-run crash in Los Angeles.
Authorities identified the victim as Celestino Mateo, who was struck by what police believe to be a silver Chevrolet Tahoe SUV. The crash occurred around 1:20 a.m. at the intersection of San Pedro and 95th Streets.
The driver fled southbound from the scene, leaving Mateo fatally injured. Emergency responders pronounced him dead at the location.
Investigators urge anyone with information to contact the LAPD South Traffic Division at 323-421-2577 or 877-527-3247 outside of business hours.
HIT-AND-RUN CRASH INVESTIGATION
In addition to the diligent work of law enforcement, an attorney can assist a family who has lost a loved one in a hit-and-run accident.
An attorney can offer legal counsel and perform comprehensive investigations to collect evidence and identify witnesses, manage communications with insurance companies, and initiate lawsuits or claims for compensation. Approximately 11 percent of all crashes involve a hit-and-run driver. According to the California Office of Traffic Safety, there were 490 fatal hit-and-runs in the state in 2022.
Many suspects flee the scene because they are intoxicated, driving without a license, or are concerned about being arrested if they remain.
Candice Bond, an experienced hit-and-run accident attorney, said in cases such as this that it is imperative to have an independent investigation conducted by a seasoned attorney to protect a victim’s rights.
“Having the proper resources is crucial to investigate a hit-and-run accident case and prove negligence,” said Bond, a Managing Partner of Bond Legal. “Road conditions, signage visibility, and road lighting are all potential contributing factors that are considered and must be thoroughly examined. These procedures are necessary for helping someone who has lost a loved one at the hands of a hit-and-run driver receive the justice and monetary compensation that they deserve.”
WRONGFUL DEATH CLAIM
The family members of Celestino Mateo may be entitled to a wrongful death claim for medical and funeral expenses, the loss of love and companionship, pain and suffering, and emotional trauma.
“An incident is considered a wrongful death when either a person or entity commits a wrongful or negligent act resulting in a person's death,” said Candice Bond, Managing Partner of Bond Legal. “When vehicle accident fatalities result from unsafe driving, aggressive or distracted driving, speeding, or driving under the influence, family members are usually left with the option to pursue a civil action against the responsible motorist.”
If you’ve been injured or lost a loved one in a hit-and-run, national legal analyst Candice Bond is available for a free, no-obligation consultation.
(Candice Bond, our national legal analyst, is a Managing Partner at Bond Legal. Newsline can and does use quotes from prior interviews with our analysts for our news articles. If you would like to contact Bond Legal to help you, please call 866-985-6515 or use the submission box found on this page. Legal analysts quoted may or may not be licensed in your state).
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