Redding, CA (November 28, 2024) – Tragedy struck on Thanksgiving Day when 40-year-old Brandi Rae Ohlde of Redding was killed in a hit-and-run collision while pushing a shopping cart on Lake Boulevard.
Accident Details: The crash occurred just before 2 p.m. near Clay Street. According to Redding Police, Ohlde was walking on Lake Boulevard’s shoulder when a westbound vehicle struck her. The driver did not stop and fled the scene, leaving Ohlde to die at the roadside.
Officers later located the suspect, 44-year-old Jessica Kathryn Remedios of Redding, at her home. Remedios was arrested and booked into Shasta County Jail on multiple charges, including vehicular manslaughter, DUI causing great bodily injury or death, and felony hit-and-run.
Legal Considerations: As a personal injury attorney, I find that this tragic hit-and-run presents several critical legal considerations:
- DUI: Driving while impaired by alcohol or drugs is negligent because it significantly impairs a driver’s ability to safely control their vehicle, make timely decisions, and react to changing road conditions. Choosing to drive while impaired disregards the safety of others. If the investigation confirms that Remedios was intoxicated at the time of the crash, she could be held liable for Ohlde’s death.
- Hit-and-Run: A hit-and-run is considered negligent because it demonstrates a complete disregard for a driver’s legal and moral obligations after causing harm. It also prevents the victim from receiving possible life-saving help.
Both the DUI and the hit-and-run components of this case reflect severe breaches of legal duties, and they significantly impact the potential for civil liability in a wrongful death lawsuit. Ohlde’s family may have grounds to file a wrongful death lawsuit against Jessica Remedios for causing the fatal crash. The claim could seek compensation for funeral expenses, emotional distress, and loss of financial support.
I offer my heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Brandi Rae Ohlde.
Source: Redding Record Searchlight