The incident happened along South China Lake Boulevard, authorities say
RIDGECREST, CA, (January 08, 2025) - The Kern County Coroner’s Office identified 39-year-old Sunghyun Ahn as the victim of a deadly auto-pedestrian collision in Ridgecrest Wednesday evening.
Sunghyun Ahn, 39, was struck and killed by a motor vehicle along South China Lake Boulevard in Ridgecrest Wednesday evening, according to a news release.
Based on preliminary reports, Ahn was struck by a vehicle around 5:42 p.m. at 1631 South China Lake Boulevard. The 39-year-old later died from injuries at a local hospital. Ahn's city of residence was not known.
No other details about the tragic incident were immediately available.
This is an ongoing investigation.
CRASH INVESTIGATION NEEDED
No state has more pedestrian deaths on its roadways than California. According to the California Office of Traffic Safety (COTS), in 2018, around 893 pedestrians were killed on California roadways, a 26% increase from 2014.
“In most instances, pedestrians possess the right of way when crossing an intersection or a street regardless of if they are in a marked crosswalk,” said Bond, Managing Partner of Bond Legal.
“It is always a driver’s duty to yield to any pedestrian.”
Bond, an experienced pedestrian accident attorney, noted that in cases such as this, it is imperative to have an independent probe conducted by a seasoned lawyer to help protect the rights of the victim's family.
WRONGFUL DEATH CLAIM
Pending the results of the investigation, the family members of Sunghyun Ahn may be entitled to a wrongful death claim for the loss of love and companionship.
“The stress and sorrow can be extremely overwhelming after losing a loved one in an accident,” said Bond, a national legal analyst for Newsline.
“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.”
Newsline's national legal analyst Candice Bond is experienced in fatal pedestrian accidents, and if you or a family member need help she's available for a free consultation to guide you
(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).
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