Drive fled after vehicle struck the man in marked crosswalk on East 49th Street
April 01, 2026 | Los Angeles, CA
An 80-year-old man lost his life after being struck by a fleeing driver in a marked crosswalk in the South Park East area.
Onesimo Maldonado Flores, 80, died after a hit-and-run crash while walking in a crosswalk at Avalon Boulevard and East 49th Street in Los Angeles.
What Happened in the Crash?
The incident unfolded around 7:35 p.m. on April 1 along northbound Avalon Boulevard at East 49th Street, east of the Harbor (110) Freeway. Authorities report that Onesimo Maldonado Flores was walking when a vehicle hit him, and the driver sped away without stopping.
Key details include:
- Victim: Onesimo Maldonado Flores, 80, pronounced dead at a hospital.
- Location: Marked crosswalk on the north side of East 49th Street, Avalon Boulevard.
- Vehicle: Suspected black sedan.
- Time: Approximately 7:35 p.m.
- Agency: Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) is leading the investigation.
The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s Office confirmed the victim's identity. Investigators urge witnesses to contact the LAPD at 213-486-0760 with any leads. The case remains under active review.
Why Do Hit-and-Run Crashes Happen?
Hit-and-run incidents represent a rising threat on U.S. roadways, often leaving victims without immediate aid. Factors like poor visibility, high speeds, and driver panic contribute to these tragedies.
Recent data from the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety highlights the scale:
- Over 919,000 police-reported crashes in 2023 involved fleeing drivers.
- Resulting in 242,000 injuries and 2,872 deaths.
- Hit-and-runs accounted for 15% of all crashes, the highest in recent years.
Statistic |
Value |
Source |
|---|
Total Hit-and-Run Crashes (2023) |
919,000 |
AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety |
Injuries from Hit-and-Runs |
242,000 |
AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety |
Fatalities from Hit-and-Runs |
2,872 |
AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety |
Percentage of All Crashes |
15% |
AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety |
Pedestrian Fatalities (Annual Avg.) |
About 7,500 |
CDC (2020-2022 average) |
This table underscores the urgent need for thorough investigations into such crashes, drawing from federal data like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on pedestrian safety.
Legal Insights
National legal analysts emphasize the importance of detailed investigations in pedestrian accidents to establish accountability.
“In cases such as this, having the proper resources is extremely important to investigate a pedestrian accident case and prove negligence,” said Candice Bond, a managing partner at Bond Legal. “Road conditions, signage visibility, and road lighting are all possible contributing factors that are considered and must thoroughly be examined. These procedures are necessary for helping those who have lost a loved one receive the justice that they deserve.”
Key takeaways:
- Comprehensive reviews of crash scenes, including lighting and markings, aid in determining fault.
- Families may pursue claims for loss of companionship, pain, suffering, and emotional distress.
- Legal support ensures updates on investigations and protects rights amid grief.
“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.”
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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).