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Dana Point, California – Authorities have identified the teenage boy who was fatally struck Tuesday morning by a suspected hit-and-run driver believed to have been under the influence of alcohol or drugs. The victim was 13-year-old Luis Adrian Morales-Pacheco of San Juan Capistrano.
The suspect, Bradley Gene Funk, 59, also of San Juan Capistrano, was booked on suspicion of hit-and-run, driving under the influence, and second-degree murder due to a prior DUI conviction, according to Orange County Sheriff’s Sgt. Lizbeth Gwisdalla.
Deputies responded around 8:20 a.m. to Dana Point Harbor Drive and Park Lantern after receiving reports of a collision involving a vehicle and a pedestrian. “Deputies located the juvenile victim with pretty severe injuries,” Gwisdalla said.
Investigators said Funk allegedly drove onto a curb and struck the boy, who was walking to school with his brother. The brother was not injured.
After hitting the child, Funk fled the scene, but witnesses helped deputies identify and locate him about two to three miles away, officials said.
“Unfortunately, the 13-year-old boy was pronounced dead at a hospital,” Gwisdalla added. The investigation into the fatal collision remains ongoing.
Can You Still Claim Compensation if the Driver Who Caused a Fatal Pedestrian Accident Flees the Scene?
Yes. Even when a driver flees after a fatal pedestrian accident, families still have several legal pathways to pursue compensation. California law allows wrongful death claims, uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, and civil actions once the suspect is identified. Working with a specialized legal team—such as a wrongful death attorney california or an experienced pedestrian accident lawyer california—greatly increases the chances of recovering damages.
In many cases, hit-and-run drivers are eventually located through witness statements, surveillance footage, license plate readers, and law enforcement investigations. Once identified, a civil claim can be filed against the at-fault driver through a car accident law firm or handled by dedicated hit and run accident attorneys. If the suspect remains unidentified, families can still pursue financial recovery through their own uninsured motorist coverage, which often provides compensation for funeral expenses, lost income, and emotional damages.
Fatal pedestrian accidents in areas like Orange County also allow families to work with a car accident attorney orange county ca who understands local courts, insurance practices, and hit-and-run litigation strategies.
Need legal help?
Megeredchian Law has the experience, resources, and proven results to pursue maximum compensation after a fatal pedestrian accident. Call (866) 359-0807 to schedule a free consultation today.
