Driver fled scene after striking pedestrian on College Avenue in Santa Rosa
December 31, 2025 | Santa Rosa, CA
Geary Wade Grady, a 74-year-old resident of Santa Rosa, lost his life following a hit-and-run incident that occurred on New Year's Eve.
Authorities reported that Grady sustained critical injuries when struck by a vehicle and later passed away in the hospital.
What Happened in the Crash?
Geary Wade Grady, 74, of Santa Rosa, died from injuries after being struck in a hit-and-run at Morgan Street and College Avenue in Santa Rosa.
The collision took place shortly after 7 p.m. at the intersection of Morgan Street and College Avenue. Preliminary investigations indicate that the driver fled the scene immediately after the crash but contacted Santa Rosa Police Department dispatch approximately 30 minutes later to report the incident.
- Victim: Geary Wade Grady, 74, of Santa Rosa
- Location: Morgan Street and College Avenue, Santa Rosa
- Time: Around 7 p.m. on Dec. 31
- Vehicle Involved: Blue 2019 Toyota Tacoma
- Outcome: Grady was hospitalized and succumbed to injuries on Tuesday afternoon
- Suspect: 31-year-old man from Greenfield, arrested on felony hit-and-run charges causing serious bodily injury
This incident remains under active investigation by local authorities.
Why Do Hit-and-Run Crashes Occur?
Hit-and-run incidents often stem from factors such as poor visibility, distracted driving, or fear of legal repercussions. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), such crashes highlight the need for thorough examinations of road conditions, signage, and lighting to prevent future tragedies.
Year |
Hit-and-Run Fatalities |
Change from Previous Year |
|---|
2022 |
2,972 |
Not Available |
2023 |
2,872 |
Down 100 (3.4% decrease) |
Data sourced from NHTSA reports indicate a modest decline in fatalities and an estimated drop in total hit-and-run crashes to around 2,800 in 2023.
Legal Insights
In cases such as this involving motor vehicle collisions, comprehensive investigations are crucial for establishing accountability.
“Road conditions, signage visibility, and road lighting are all possible contributing factors that must be thoroughly examined to help those affected receive the justice they deserve,” said Candice Bond, managing partner at Bond Legal.
- Drivers are legally required to stop and notify authorities after any collision.
- Negligence in hit-and-run cases can lead to felony charges and civil liabilities.
- Proper resources ensure that contributing factors like environmental conditions are evaluated.
“The stress and sorrow following the loss of a loved one in an accident can be overwhelming, and protecting families' rights through ongoing updates on investigations is vital,” said Stefano Formica, of counsel with Bond Legal.
Families in similar situations may pursue claims for loss of companionship, pain and suffering, and emotional distress.
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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).