Nykeyia Lewis dies in pedestrian accident on southbound Interstate 215

Vehicle struck the Riverside woman near Washington Street

February 14, 2026 | Colton, CA

A 24-year-old Riverside woman lost her life in a devastating pedestrian collision early Saturday morning in Colton.

Nykeyia Josephine Lewis, 24, died after she was struck by a vehicle on southbound Interstate 215 near Washington Street in Colton.

Nykeyia Josephine Lewis was struck by a vehicle around 3:55 a.m. on southbound Interstate 215 near Washington Street, according to the California Highway Patrol. She was pronounced dead at the scene.

Lewis's family remembered her as a vibrant, educated individual full of kindness and energy. They launched a GoFundMe campaign to help cover funeral expenses and support during this difficult time. The fundraiser is available here.

What Happened in the Crash?

• Date and Time: Feb. 14, approximately 3:55 a.m.
• Location: Southbound Interstate 215 near Washington Street, Colton, CA
• Victim: Nykeyia Josephine Lewis, 24, from Riverside
• Outcome: Pronounced deceased at the scene
• Investigating Agency: California Highway Patrol

Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding this tragic accident, focusing on factors like road conditions, visibility, and driver actions.

Why Do Pedestrian Accidents Like This Occur?

Pedestrian fatalities remain a pressing concern across the U.S., with California leading in reported incidents. These crashes often stem from poor visibility, high speeds, and inadequate infrastructure.

To illustrate the rising trend, here's a summary of national and state data from the Governors Highway Safety Association and other sources:

Data highlights the urgent need for enhanced safety measures, such as better lighting and pedestrian crossings, especially on busy interstates like I-215.

Legal Insights

Newsline consulted national analysts to provide broader context on pedestrian collisions. Their perspectives underscore the complexities involved in such cases.

“Road conditions, visibility, and lighting are all possible contributing factors considered and examined,” said Candice Bond, managing partner with Bond Legal. “In cases such as this, an accident reconstruction team is sometimes needed to help piece together what happened. These resources are necessary for helping clients receive monetary compensation for damages or a loss following a collision.”

Key takeaways from analyst discussions:

• Driver responsibility often includes yielding to pedestrians in all scenarios.
• Investigations may involve detailed reconstructions to determine the fault.
• Families can pursue claims for emotional and financial losses.

Stefano Formica, of counsel at Bond Legal, added:

“It is almost always a driver’s duty to yield to any pedestrian. Serving as an advocate, an attorney can help compassionately guide a family through this difficult time while protecting their rights. 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 situations involving loss of life, families of individuals like Nykeyia Josephine Lewis may qualify for wrongful death claims. These can address funeral expenses, loss of companionship, and ongoing emotional distress.

Newsline, the premier digital news platform owned by Belsito Communications, Inc., upholds rigorous editorial standards with an unwavering commitment to journalistic integrity and editorial excellence. 

For transparency, our Corrections Policy ensures a 24-hour review of any submitted corrections.

(This report is based on verified data - learn more on our About Us page.)

Newsline - is your trusted source for legal news and accident reports, delivering timely updates to keep you informed.