Vehicle flees west on Laguna Boulevard after striking pedestrian
December 20, 2025 | Elk Grove, CA
A 25-year-old woman lost her life in a devastating hit-and-run collision in Elk Grove on Saturday evening, according to local authorities.
The incident has left the community mourning and seeking justice as investigators pursue leads on the fleeing driver.
What Happened in the Crash?
Sundi Washington-Wolff, 25, died after a dark-coloured SUV hit her while she crossed Bruceville Road in the 9100 block just north of Laguna in Elk Grove.
The collision took place around 8:15 p.m. in the 9100 block of Bruceville Road, just north of Laguna Boulevard. Sundi Washington-Wolff was walking across the road when a southbound dark-colored SUV struck her. She was pronounced dead at the scene by emergency responders.
Key details of the incident include:
- Date and Time: Dec. 20, 2025, approximately 8:15 p.m.
- Location: 9100 block of Bruceville Road, Elk Grove, California
- Victim: Sundi Washington-Wolff, age 25
- Vehicle Involved: Dark-colored SUV traveling south from Di Lusso Drive
- Outcome: Victim deceased at the scene, and the driver fled west on Laguna Boulevard
The Sacramento County Coroner’s Office confirmed the victim's identity. Washington-Wolff's brother, Ezekiel, launched a GoFundMe campaign to assist with funeral costs, reflecting the family's grief amid this tragedy.
Elk Grove police are urging witnesses to come forward with information. The SUV was last observed heading west on Laguna Boulevard. Contact detectives at 916-478-8148 if you have details that could aid the investigation.
Why Do Hit-and-Run Crashes Occur?
Hit-and-run incidents often stem from driver panic, fear of repercussions, or impairment. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), such crashes claim thousands of lives annually, underscoring the need for heightened awareness and accountability on roadways.
Year |
Hit-and-Run Fatalities |
Total Trend Notes |
|---|
2023 |
2,872 |
Down from 2,972 in 2022, and suggests around 2,800 total incidents |
2022 |
2,972 |
Slight increase prior to decline |
Source: NHTSA | Data highlights ongoing public safety challenges |
This table draws from NHTSA reports, emphasizing the persistent risks pedestrians face from fleeing motorists.
Legal Insights
In cases such as this involving hit-and-run collisions, thorough investigation plays a pivotal role in establishing accountability. National legal analyst Candice Bond, managing partner at Bond Legal, stresses the importance of preserving evidence promptly.
“Having the proper resources is extremely important to investigate a pedestrian accident case and prove negligence,” said Bond. “The driver always has to take great care behind the wheel.”
Key takeaways from analyst perspectives include:
- Motorists must stop and report accidents to avoid severe legal penalties.
- Families may pursue claims for wrongful death to address losses like companionship and emotional distress.
- Time-sensitive actions, such as securing witness statements, can strengthen case outcomes.
Stefano Formica, of counsel with Bond Legal, adds that the emotional toll on survivors demands compassionate yet assertive legal support.
“The stress and sorrow can be extremely overwhelming after losing a loved one in an accident,” said Formica. “A wrongful death lawyer will stay updated on the official investigation and help ensure that the victim's legal rights and best interests are protected.”
Pending results from the ongoing inquiry, Washington-Wolff's family could explore options for compensation through a wrongful death claim.
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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).