Local Man Killed in Highway 28 Crash, Authorities Report
TAHOE CITY, CA, (September 05, 2025) - Tragedy struck Tahoe City Friday night when a suspected impaired driver hit and killed a pedestrian.
Authorities report that Guadalupe “Lupe” Villanueva was killed Friday night in Tahoe City after being struck by a driver suspected of impairment.
Guadalupe “Lupe” Villanueva, a North Tahoe resident in his 60s, was pronounced dead at the scene following the crash, which occurred at approximately 11:23 p.m.
The California Highway Patrol reported that a white 2014 Ford Explorer traveling east on State Route 28 near Rocky Ridge Road struck Villanueva, who was walking along the shoulder. The driver was taken into custody on suspicion of DUI.
Investigators are continuing to examine the circumstances of the crash, and anyone with information is urged to contact the CHP Truckee Area office at 530-563-9200.
CRASH INVESTIGATION NEEDED
Thousands of pedestrians are killed on U.S. roads every year — many by drunk drivers. All these deaths are entirely preventable. The 2023 data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimates that 7,314 pedestrians died in traffic crashes occurring on public roads.
Candice Bond, an experienced DUI accident attorney, was interviewed and provided her thoughts on incidents such as this one.
“Separate from criminal charges, a victim’s family may be entitled to compensation through a civil lawsuit against the responsible party,” said Bond, Managing Partner of Bond Legal and national analyst for The Legal Advocate.
“Serving as an advocate, an attorney can help compassionately guide a grieving family during this difficult time, protecting their legal rights, while ensuring that a drunk driver is held accountable for their reckless actions.”
WRONGFUL DEATH CLAIM
Pending the results of the investigation, the family of Guadalupe “Lupe” Villanueva may be entitled to pursue a wrongful death claim, which can cover medical and funeral expenses, loss of love and companionship, pain and suffering, and emotional distress.
“A wrongful death occurs when a person or entity commits a negligent or wrongful act that leads to someone’s death,” said Candice Bond, Managing Partner at Bond Legal.
“When vehicle fatalities are caused by unsafe driving, aggressive or distracted driving, speeding, hit-and-run, or driving under the influence, family members often have the right to pursue a civil action against the responsible driver.”
If you’ve been injured or lost a loved one due to a drunk driver, national legal analyst Candice Bond offers free consultations to guide you.
(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).