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ORANGE COUNTY

Juan Peñuelas killed in Santa Ana pedestrian, car accident

  • By JOHN ESHER
  • News, Breaking News
  • Posted: January 31, 2025 EDT
  • Updated: January 31, 2025 02:22 AM EDT

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It happened near First Street and Harbor Boulevard, authorities say

SANTA ANA, CA, (January 22, 2025) - Juan Lopez Peñuelas, a San Clemente resident, was fatally hit by a vehicle while on his way back home from work on Wednesday evening in Santa Ana, police said.

Juan Lopez Peñuelas killed GoFundMe pedestrian crash(GoFundMe:Juan Lopez Peñuelas)Juan Lopez Peñuelas, a 37-year-old man from San Clemente, was struck and killed by a car near First Street and Harbor Boulevard in Santa Ana Wednesday evening, according to police.

Peñuelas leaves behind two sons—including a one-year-old, per the GoFundMe set up to defray funeral costs.

According to preliminary findings, Peñuelas was walking southbound on First Street around 6:15 p.m. when an eastbound car crashed into him at Harbor Boulevard. The 37-year-old was treated at the scene and later transported to the hospital. Sadly, his life couldn't be saved. The driver stayed behind and spoke with investigators, police said.

Anyone with additional information about the incident was asked to contact (714) 245-8208.

The SAPD's Collision Investigations Unit (CIU) is continuing to probe the crash.

CRASH INVESTIGATION NEEDED

No state has more pedestrian deaths on its roadways than California. According to the California Office of Traffic Safety (COTS), in 2018, around 893 pedestrians were killed on California roadways, a 26% increase from 2014.

“In most instances, pedestrians possess the right of way when crossing an intersection or a street regardless of if they are in a marked crosswalk,” said Bond, Managing Partner of Bond Legal. 

“It is always a driver’s duty to yield to any pedestrian.”

Bond, an experienced pedestrian accident attorney, noted that in cases such as this, it is imperative to have an independent probe conducted by a seasoned lawyer to help protect the rights of the victim's family.

WRONGFUL DEATH CLAIM

Pending the results of the investigation, the family members of Juan Lopez Peñuelas may be entitled to a wrongful death claim for the loss of love and companionship.

“The stress and sorrow can be extremely overwhelming after losing a loved one in an accident,” said Bond, a national legal analyst for Newsline. 

“A wrongful death lawyer will stay updated on the official investigation and help ensure that the victim's legal rights and best interests are protected.”


Newsline's national legal analyst Candice Bond is experienced in fatal pedestrian accidents, and if you or a family member need help she's available for a free consultation 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).

Tags: Latest News, Non Commercial, Pedestrian Accident, California, First Street and Harbor Boulevard

The staff of Newsline would like to extend our thoughts and prayers to Juan Lopez Peñuelas and family

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