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July 16, 2025

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SAN DIEGO COUNTY

Mattviel Rodriguez Died in Chula Vista Electric Scooter Accident

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Deadly Chula Vista Crash Happened in Otay Ranch Community, Authorities Confirm

CHULA VISTA, CA, (July 13, 2025) - A devastating accident claimed the life of an 8-year-old boy Sunday afternoon in the Otay Ranch area of Chula Vista, according to the Chula Vista Police Department.

Mattviel Rodriguez killed crashMattviel Rodriguez, 8, was fatally struck by a vehicle Sunday afternoon while riding an electric scooter in an Otay Ranch condominium complex in Chula Vista, according to authorities.

The victim, identified as Mattviel Rodriguez, affectionately known as "Chubby", was riding an electric scooter alongside a relative inside a condominium complex when he was struck by a motor vehicle.

Rodriguez was transported to Rady Children’s Hospital, where he sadly succumbed to his injuries, police said in a news release.

Authorities confirmed that alcohol and drugs were not factors in the collision. The investigation remains ongoing.

In the wake of the tragedy, a GoFundMe fundraiser has been launched to assist the Rodriguez family as they cope with the heartbreaking loss of their young son.

CRASH INVESTIGATION NEEDED

Like pedestrians, electric scooter riders are highly vulnerable in traffic and are more likely to suffer severe or fatal injuries when struck by larger, heavier vehicles. According to a study by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, an estimated 164 e-scooter deaths and 193 e-bike deaths occurred between 2017 and 2023.

While the cause and liability in this incident remain under investigation, Candice Bond, Managing Partner at Bond Legal and a national legal analyst, emphasized the importance of conducting an independent investigation in cases like this.

“In addition to the diligent work of law enforcement, an attorney can re-interview important witnesses, analyze any surveillance video from the scene of the crash, and obtain phone and texting records of the liable party,” said Bond.

Independent legal investigations can be vital to ensuring the facts are thoroughly uncovered and that the victim’s family receives the support and justice they deserve.

WRONGFUL DEATH CLAIM

Pending the investigation, the family members of Mattviel Rodriguez may be entitled to a wrongful death claim. Family members of wrongful death victims may seek damages for loss of companionship, pain and suffering, and emotional distress following a catastrophic accident such as this.

“The stress and sorrow can be extremely overwhelming after losing a loved one in an accident,” said Candice Bond, Managing Partner 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.”


Have you experienced a similar accident and need guidance? Contact national legal analyst Candice Bond at Newsline for a free, no-obligation consultation today.

(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, California, Otay Ranch community

The staff of Newsline would like to extend our thoughts and prayers to Mattviel Rodriguez and family

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