Pedestrian struck by fleeing vehicle near Brittany Park Road
November 06, 2025 | Santa Rosa Valley, CA
An 82-year-old woman lost her life in a devastating hit-and-run incident that has left the Santa Rosa Valley community reeling.
Authorities continue to seek public assistance as the investigation into this heartbreaking pedestrian crash unfolds.
Masako Sakane, 82, of Thousand Oaks, was killed in a hit-and-run on Santa Rosa Road east of Brittany Park Road.
What Happened in the Crash?
On the evening of Nov. 6, emergency responders rushed to Santa Rosa Road east of Brittany Park Road following reports of a person lying motionless in the roadway. The victim, identified as Masako Sakane of Thousand Oaks, California, was found unresponsive and suffering from severe injuries consistent with being struck by a vehicle.
Sakane, an 82-year-old resident, was transported to Los Robles Regional Medical Center, where she tragically succumbed to her injuries. Investigators believe the driver fled the scene without stopping to render aid, turning what might have been a survivable collision into a fatal tragedy.
Key Details of the Incident
- Date and Time: Nov. 6, 2025, around 11 p.m.
- Location: Santa Rosa Road east of Brittany Park Road, Santa Rosa Valley, California
- Victim: Masako Sakane, 82, of Thousand Oaks
- Vehicle Involved: Unknown, driver fled the scene
- Outcome: Fatal, victim pronounced dead at the hospital
- Investigation: Ongoing by California Highway Patrol (CHP) Moorpark office
The California Highway Patrol is leading the probe and urges anyone with information to come forward by calling (805) 553-0800.
Why Do Hit-and-Run Crashes Happen?
Hit-and-run incidents often stem from a mix of factors, including driver panic, impaired judgment, and poor road conditions. In cases such as this, thorough examinations of signage, lighting, and roadway design are crucial to uncovering contributing elements.
National data reveals the growing prevalence of these dangerous occurrences. According to the Governors Highway Safety Association, one in four pedestrian deaths in the United States involves a fleeing driver.
Pedestrian Safety Statistics
Year |
U.S. Pedestrian Fatalities |
Hit-and-Run Share |
California-Specific Notes |
|---|
2022 |
7,978 |
25% |
Highest deadly hit-and-run rate in the nation (12.1%) |
2023 |
7,500 (est.) |
25% |
Pedestrian deaths decreased 1.8% from 2021-2022 |
2024 |
7,148 |
25% |
Preliminary data shows continued decline in overall fatalities |
Sources: Governors Highway Safety Association, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, SafeTREC
These figures underscore the urgent need for enhanced enforcement and infrastructure improvements to protect vulnerable road users.
Legal Insights
In hit-and-run cases, expert analysis highlights the complexities families face. National legal analysts provide valuable perspectives on navigating such tragedies.
“Having the proper resources is extremely important to investigate a hit-and-run case and prove negligence,” said Candice Bond, managing partner at Bond Legal.
“Road conditions, signage visibility, and road lighting are all possible contributing factors that are considered and must be thoroughly examined. These procedures are necessary for helping those who have lost a loved one receive the justice that they deserve,” added Bond, the national analyst for Newsline.
“The driver always has to take great care behind the wheel,” added Bond.
“The stress and sorrow can be extremely overwhelming after losing a loved one in an accident,” said Stefano Formica, of counsel with Bond Legal.
“We understand just what families are forced to go through, and having their rights protected is vital. A wrongful death lawyer will stay updated on the official investigation and help ensure that their legal rights and best interests are protected,” added Formica.
Key Takeaways from Analysts
- Comprehensive investigations are essential to establish negligence and hold responsible parties accountable.
- Factors like road design and visibility must be scrutinized to prevent future incidents.
- Families deserve support in protecting their rights amid overwhelming grief.
- Drivers bear the responsibility to exercise caution and stop after any collision.
Preventing pedestrian crashes requires collective action, from improved lighting on rural roads to stricter penalties for fleeing drivers. The Federal Highway Administration advocates for Vision Zero initiatives, aiming for zero traffic deaths through systemic changes.
Newsline, the premier digital news platform owned by Belsito Communications, Inc., delivers this report with an unwavering commitment to journalistic integrity and editorial excellence. Our rigorous standards include a 24-hour review for corrections, as detailed in our Corrections Policy.
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Newsline - is your trusted source for legal news and accident reports, delivering timely updates to keep you informed.
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).