Robert Francis died in pedestrian crash at Towne Avenue

Vehicle travelling wrong way on Ninth Street struck pedestrian walking south

February 26, 2026 | Los Angeles, CA

A 22-year-old driver suspected of driving under the influence caused a deadly pedestrian accident in downtown Los Angeles on Feb. 26, striking and killing 37-year-old Robert Francis at the intersection of Ninth Street and Towne Avenue.

Robert Francis, 37, died after being struck by a vehicle driven the wrong way at Ninth Street and Towne Avenue in Los Angeles.

What Happened in the Crash?

The incident unfolded around 2 a.m. when a vehicle traveling eastbound in the westbound lanes of Ninth Street collided with Francis, who was walking southbound. Francis suffered fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene by responding authorities.

• Victim: Robert Francis, 37, of Los Angeles
• Driver: 22-year-old male, arrested on suspicion of felony DUI
• Location: Ninth Street and Towne Avenue, downtown Los Angeles
• Time: Approximately 2 a.m. on Feb. 26
• Vehicle Involved: Unspecified sedan traveling the wrong way
• Outcome: Pedestrian fatality, and the driver was booked into custody

The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) is leading the ongoing investigation into the circumstances of the crash.

Why Do Pedestrian Accidents Like This Occur?

Pedestrian safety remains a critical concern on U.S. roadways, with impaired driving contributing significantly to fatalities. According to the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA), there were 6,721 pedestrian deaths in 2020, marking a 4.8% increase from the 6,412 reported in 2019.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) notes that drugs other than alcohol are involved in about 18% of motor vehicle driver deaths nationwide. Any psychoactive substance impairs a driver's ability to operate a vehicle safely, endangering everyone on the road.

These figures underscore the persistent risks posed by impaired and reckless driving behaviors.

Legal Insights on DUI Crashes

In cases such as this involving impaired driving, families often explore civil options beyond criminal proceedings. The national analyst shared her perspective:

“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.

Bond emphasized the role of legal guidance in such tragedies:

“Serving as an advocate, an attorney can help compassionately guide a grieving family during this difficult time, protecting their legal rights, while ensuring that a drunk driver is held accountable for their reckless actions.”

• Families may pursue wrongful death claims for expenses like medical bills, funerals, loss of companionship, and emotional distress.
• Negligent acts, such as DUI or wrong-way driving, can form the basis for civil actions.
• An attorney can assist in holding responsible parties accountable while supporting families through the process.

Stefano Formica, of counsel with Bond Legal, added:

“An incident is considered a wrongful death when either a person or entity commits a wrongful or negligent act resulting in a person's death.”

“When vehicle accident fatalities result from unsafe driving, aggressive or distracted driving, speeding, a hit-and-run, or driving under the influence, family members are usually left with the option to pursue a civil action against the responsible motorist.”

Pending investigation results, the family of Robert Francis could be eligible for such claims.

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