Subaru Crosstrek struck the man at the intersection with South Sixth Street
December 24, 2025 | Yakima, WA
A tragic pedestrian accident claimed the life of 47-year-old Miguel Magdaleno on Dec. 24 when he was struck by a vehicle driven by an impaired motorist.
Miguel Magdaleno, 47, died at the scene of a pedestrian crash when a Subaru Crosstrek struck him on First Street at South Sixth Street in Yakima.
What Happened in the Crash?
Police reports indicate the incident occurred around 6:30 p.m. on First Street at the intersection with South Sixth Street. Magdaleno was hit by a Subaru Crosstrek operated by Katherine Lynne Morris. He was pronounced dead at the scene despite emergency efforts.
- Date and Time: Dec. 24, approximately 6:30 p.m.
- Location: First Street and South Sixth Street, Yakima, WA
- Victim: Miguel Magdaleno, 47 years old
- Vehicle Involved: Subaru Crosstrek
- Suspect: Katherine Lynne Morris, arrested on-site
- Outcome: Vehicular homicide charge filed against Morris
Investigators noted that Morris exhibited signs of intoxication, including the smell of alcohol and failure of field sobriety tests. One test was stopped due to fall risk. A breath test revealed her blood alcohol concentration at 0.182, exceeding the legal limit by more than double.
Why Do These Accidents Happen?
Impaired driving significantly contributes to pedestrian fatalities. Alcohol affects judgment, reaction times, and coordination, making it difficult for drivers to avoid collisions.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), alcohol-impaired driving remains a leading cause of traffic deaths. In 2023, 12,429 individuals lost their lives in such crashes nationwide.
Factor |
Impact on Pedestrian Crashes |
Source |
|---|
Impaired Judgment |
Drivers fail to anticipate pedestrian movements |
CDC |
Slowed Reaction Time |
Delays in braking or swerving |
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) |
Reduced Coordination |
Difficulty controlling vehicle |
Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) |
High BAC Levels |
Increases crash severity, e.g., 0.182 is over twice legal limit |
NHTSA |
These preventable incidents highlight the dangers of driving under the influence, endangering everyone on the road.
Legal Insights
National legal analysts emphasize the broader implications of impaired driving cases. In discussions of motor vehicle crashes involving intoxication, professionals stress accountability and support for affected families.
“Separate from criminal charges, a victim’s family may be entitled to compensation through a civil lawsuit against the responsible party,” said Candice Bond, managing partner of Bond Legal and a national analyst for Newsline. “Serving as an advocate, an attorney can help compassionately guide grieving families during this difficult time, protecting their legal rights while ensuring that drunk drivers are held accountable for their reckless actions.”
- Families may pursue wrongful death claims for loss of companionship, pain, suffering, and emotional distress.
- Legal representation ensures updates on investigations and protects rights.
- Compensation can address the profound effects of such tragedies.
“We understand just what families are forced to go through, and having their rights protected is vital,” said Stefano Formica, of counsel with Bond Legal. “A wrongful death lawyer will stay updated on the official investigation and help ensure that their best interests are taken care of. Relatives of wrongful death victims are entitled to seek damages for the loss of companionship, pain and suffering, and emotional distress following a tragic or catastrophic accident.”
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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).