He was hit just before 8 p.m. in Twentynine Palms
October 02, 2025 | Twentynine Palms, CA
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TWENTYNINE PALMS CA - Diego Thornton a 52-year-old resident of West Hollywood lost his life in a fatal pedestrian collision on October 2 2025.
The California Highway Patrol CHP stated that Thornton was walking when he was hit by a vehicle on Amboy Road east of Mica Avenue around 8 p.m. He was declared deceased at the scene and the matter is still being probed.
Diego M. Thornton of West Hollywood was hit and killed while walking on Amboy Road in Twentynine Palms.
What Happened in the Pedestrian Accident?
- Victim: Diego Thornton 52-year-old from West Hollywood
- Date: October 2 2025
- Location: Amboy Road east of Mica Avenue Twentynine Palms California
- Time: About 8 p.m.
- Details: Struck by a vehicle while crossing as a pedestrian
- Outcome: Pronounced dead at the scene
- Authorities: California Highway Patrol CHP leading the probe
Why Do Pedestrian Accidents Happen?
Pedestrian collisions pose a serious risk across California where such tragedies claim numerous lives each year. The state reports some of the nations highest figures for these incidents often tied to driver errors environmental issues and urban design flaws.
In 2022 about 1158 pedestrians died in California crashes accounting for 26 percent of all traffic deaths per data from the Governors Office of Traffic Safety.
These events frequently unfold in urban settings after dark beyond crosswalks with nearly one in four linked to hit-and-run scenarios.
Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents
Cause |
Description |
Source |
---|
Speeding |
Excess speed limits visibility and stopping distance raising crash impacts. |
NHTSA |
Distracted Driving |
Attention diverted by phones or other distractions leads to failure spotting walkers. |
NHTSA |
Impaired Driving |
Drivers or pedestrians under alcohol or drugs influence make poor choices. |
CDC |
Failure to Yield |
Not giving way at crossings or turns endangers those on foot. |
NHTSA |
Poor Lighting |
Low visibility at night without proper illumination heightens dangers. |
NHTSA |
This table outlines key risks underscoring the urgency for better road safety efforts.
Expert Insights
Newsline draws on perspectives from leading legal experts to contextualize pedestrian crash scenarios.
“Having the proper resources is extremely important to investigate a pedestrian accident case and prove negligence” said Candice Bond Managing Partner at Bond Legal. “Road conditions signage visibility and road lighting are all possible contributing factors that are considered and must be thoroughly examined. These procedures are necessary for helping those who have lost a loved one receive the justice and monetary compensation that they deserve.”
- Key Takeaway: Thorough probes into site factors like lighting can build strong negligence claims.
“We understand just what families are forced to go through and having their rights protected is vital” said Stefano Formica Of Counsel with Bond Legal. “A wrongful death lawyer will stay updated on the official investigation and help ensure that their best interests are taken care of. Relatives of wrongful death victims are entitled to seek damages for the loss of companionship pain and suffering and emotional distress following a tragic or catastrophic accident.”
- Key Takeaway: Legal support aids families in claiming compensation for profound losses.
These observations apply generally to pedestrian incidents without reference to this specific event.
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(This report is based on verified data - learn more on our About Us page.)
Candice Bond, national legal analyst for Newsline, has extensive experience with fatal pedestrian accidents. If you or a loved one needs help, she offers free consultations.
(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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