Sophin Chea died in pedestrian accident on Orange Avenue.

Vehicle struck man at East 28th Street intersection

January 07, 2026 | Long Beach, CA

Sophin Chea, a 57-year-old man, lost his life after being struck by a vehicle in a tragic pedestrian accident.

Sophin Chea, 57, died after being struck by a vehicle in a pedestrian crash at Orange Avenue and East 28th Street in Long Beach.

What Happened in the Crash?

Authorities reported that the collision occurred at the intersection of Orange Avenue and East 28th Street. Key details include:

• Victim: Sophin Chea, age 57
• Date: Jan. 7
• Location: Orange Avenue and East 28th Street, Long Beach
• Incident: Struck by an unknown motorist
• Outcome: Transported to a hospital, and pronounced dead around 11:30 a.m. from multiple blunt force injuries
• Status: Investigation ongoing by local police

The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s Office confirmed Chea's identity following the incident.

Why Do Pedestrian Accidents Like This Occur?

Pedestrian fatalities remain a pressing issue on U.S. roadways. According to the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA), approximately 2,304 pedestrians were killed in crashes during the first half of 2024 alone. Factors such as driver inattention, poor visibility, and road conditions often contribute to these preventable tragedies.

Drivers play a crucial role in prevention by staying alert and yielding to pedestrians at all times.

Legal Insights

In cases such as this involving pedestrian collisions, thorough investigations are essential to determine liability and support affected families.

“Having the proper resources is extremely important to investigate a pedestrian accident case and prove negligence,” said Candice Bond, managing partner of Bond Legal and a national legal analyst for Newsline. “Road conditions, visibility, and lighting are all possible contributing factors considered and examined.”

“An accident reconstruction team is sometimes needed to help piece together what happened. All of these resources are necessary for helping clients receive monetary compensation for damages or a loss following a collision,” added Bond.

Key takeaways from legal perspectives on pedestrian crashes:

• Preserve evidence promptly to establish fault, as time is critical in these matters.
• Consider environmental elements like signage and weather in reconstructions.
• Families may pursue claims for related losses, guided by experienced representation.

“It is almost always a driver’s duty to yield to any pedestrian,” said Stefano Formica, of counsel at Bond Legal. “Family members may seek damages for loss of income and companionship, pain and suffering, funeral expenses, and emotional distress following a tragic accident.”

“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,” noted Formica.

Newsline, a premier digital news platform owned by Belsito Communications, Inc., upholds rigorous editorial standards with an unwavering commitment to journalistic integrity and editorial excellence. Our stories undergo thorough fact-checking and review. We invite feedback and corrections, which are addressed within 24 hours per our Corrections Policy. 

Learn more about our Editorial Process and Editorial Policy.

(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.