He was struck near Weldon Canyon Road in the Newhall area
June 22, 2026 | Newhall, CA
A 36-year-old man died after being struck by a vehicle while walking on the Golden State Freeway in the Newhall area.
What happened in the crash?
Ernesto Cruz, 36, died after a hit-and-run pedestrian crash on northbound Interstate 5 south of the Antelope Valley Freeway near Weldon Canyon Road.
- The collision took place around 2:28 a.m. on the northbound side of the freeway.
- The victim was walking in the No. 4 lane south of the Antelope Valley Freeway and The Old Road.
- The driver left the scene without stopping.
- Authorities pronounced the man dead at the location.
The Los Angeles County medical examiner’s office identified the victim as Ernesto Cruz.
Why do pedestrian crashes like this occur?
Walking on American roads has become more dangerous due to heavier vehicles, speed-focused road design, and reckless driving. Data from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety shows that 84 percent of pedestrian deaths in 2023 happened in urban areas, compared with 59 percent in 1975.
| Source | Year | Urban Pedestrian Deaths | Key Factor |
|---|
| IIHS | 2023 | 84% | Heavier vehicles and road design |
| IIHS | 1975 | 59% | Lower urban share |
Legal Insights
In cases such as this, families may explore options after a hit-and-run incident.
Failure to remain at the scene can lead to criminal charges, and affected parties may also pursue civil claims against the driver.
— Candice Bond, managing partner at Bond Legal.
- Pedestrians generally hold the right of way at intersections and streets, even without a marked crosswalk.
- Independent investigation helps preserve evidence and determine whether negligence contributed to the crash.
- Resources for proper documentation support investigators in reviewing the facts.
The stress after losing a loved one in an accident can feel overwhelming. Legal support can keep families updated on official investigations and protect their interests.
— Stefano Formica, of counsel with Bond Legal.
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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).