Vehicle strikes boy walking near Winnetka Avenue intersection
December 22, 2025 | Winnetka, CA
Authorities report that a 12-year-old boy lost his life after being struck by a vehicle in Winnetka.
The incident unfolded in the West San Fernando Valley, highlighting ongoing concerns about pedestrian safety during early hours.
What Happened in the Crash?
Louis Powell Jr., 12, died after a vehicle hit him while walking near Saticoy Street and Winnetka Avenue in Winnetka.
Los Angeles Police Department officials stated that the collision occurred shortly before 3 a.m. on Dec. 22. The young pedestrian was walking near Saticoy Street and Winnetka Avenue when the vehicle hit him. The driver stayed at the scene and faced arrest on suspicion of driving under the influence. It remains unclear why the boy was in the roadway at that time.
Key details include:
- Victim: Louis Powell Jr., 12 years old
- Location: Saticoy Street and Winnetka Avenue, Winnetka, CA
- Time: Shortly before 3 a.m. on Dec. 22, 2025
- Vehicle Involved: Unspecified make and model, and driver suspected of DUI
- Agency: Los Angeles Police Department
- Outcome: Fatal pedestrian injury, and investigation ongoing
The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner confirmed the victim's identity as Louis Powell Jr.
Why Do Pedestrian Accidents Like This Occur?
Pedestrian fatalities continue to rise across the U.S., often due to factors like impaired driving, poor visibility, and inadequate road conditions. In cases such as this, thorough investigations help identify contributing elements to prevent future tragedies.
Crash Statistics Overview
According to the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA), pedestrian deaths are a growing issue. Here's a summary of recent data:
Year |
Pedestrian Fatalities (First Half) |
Source |
|---|
2024 |
2,304 |
GHSA |
2023 |
2,150 (estimated) |
GHSA |
National Average |
About 7,500 annually |
NHTSA |
These figures underscore the need for heightened driver awareness and infrastructure improvements, as noted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Legal Insights
Newsline's national legal analysts provide perspective on pedestrian incidents, emphasizing the importance of detailed investigations.
“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, visibility, and lighting are all possible contributing factors considered and examined. An accident reconstruction team is sometimes needed to help piece together what happened. All of these resources are necessary for helping clients receive monetary compensation for damages or a loss following a collision.”
Key takeaways:
- Investigations often involve analyzing visibility and road factors.
- Reconstruction teams can clarify crash dynamics.
- Compensation may cover medical costs, lost income, and emotional effects.
“It is almost always a driver’s duty to yield to any pedestrian,” said Stefano Formica, of counsel at Bond Legal. “Family members may seek damages for loss of income and companionship, pain and suffering, funeral expenses, and emotional distress following a tragic accident. Insurance companies often try to pressure victims to settle for a quick payout for far less than the case is worth. However, an attorney will vigorously advocate for their client to ensure that they are treated with respect and compensated fairly.”
In cases such as this, legal guidance can support families navigating wrongful death claims while upholding their rights.
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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).