PACIFIC BEACH, Calif. — A six-year-old boy was killed in a hit-and-run crash in Pacific Beach, San Diego, after a driver allegedly struck him twice and fled the scene. Authorities said the driver has been taken into custody, but no charges have yet been announced.
Hudson Stephen O’Loughlin, 6, was riding his bicycle on the sidewalk with his father in the 4000 block of Ingraham Street on Saturday at about 3:45 p.m. when he was struck by a vehicle, according to the San Diego Police Department.
Police said the driver, identified as 32-year-old Tiffany Sanchez, hit the child while turning as he crossed an alleyway. Authorities said the driver briefly stopped her vehicle before driving away and striking the boy a second time as she fled.
A witness, David Morrow, who was driving behind the vehicle at the time, told CBS8 that he saw the driver cut into the alley and strike the child twice. He said the vehicle stopped for several seconds, allowing him to record the license plate number, before the driver sped away.
Morrow said a bystander, believed to have medical training, immediately rushed to help the child. He said the boy initially stood up in pain before being laid down, at which point he stopped breathing.
Hudson was transported to a nearby hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.
Hudson’s father, Matthew O’Loughlin, told 10News that the loss of his son has been devastating. He said Hudson was only six years old and had his entire life ahead of him.
Police said the suspect vehicle was later located in National City, about 20 minutes from the scene, and the driver was taken into custody. Authorities said alcohol was not a factor in the collision.
Residents in the North Crown Point area of Pacific Beach told NBC 7 that speeding and a lack of traffic-calming measures, such as speed bumps and stop signs, have made the neighborhood dangerous.
Hudson has been remembered by family and friends as a bright and curious child who loved science. A GoFundMe fundraiser created to support his family had raised more than $56,000 as of Monday evening. He is survived by his parents, a younger brother, and extended family.
A memorial with flowers, candles, and artwork has grown along the sidewalk near Pacific Beach Drive where the crash occurred.
Authorities said the investigation remains ongoing, and no charges have yet been filed against the driver. Anyone with information related to the incident is asked to contact Crime Stoppers at 888-580-8477.
