San Diego, California (August 30, 2025) — A 61-year-old woman was killed in a two-vehicle hit-and-run crash on Sea World Drive early Saturday morning, according to the San Diego Police Department and the County Medical Examiner’s Office.
Incident Details: The crash occurred at approximately 12:20 a.m. near West Mission Bay Drive. Police reported that one vehicle rear-ended another in the 100 block of Sea World Drive. When officers arrived, they found both vehicles at the scene but learned that one of the drivers had fled on foot. At the time, no victim was located. Roughly twelve hours later, around 1 p.m., investigators discovered the body of a woman amid damaged trees and shrubbery near the crash site. The Medical Examiner’s Office identified her as Celeste Necochea of San Diego. Authorities believe Necochea had been riding in one of the vehicles involved in the collision. No arrests have been made, and the investigation into the cause of the crash remains ongoing.
Investigation and Legal Considerations: Hit-and-run crashes raise serious legal and civil concerns because they involve a collision and a driver’s failure to remain at the scene. In this case, the driver who fled may face significant criminal charges once identified. Investigators will focus on reconstructing the events that led up to the rear-end collision. Key questions include which driver caused the impact, whether impairment or distraction was involved, and why the fleeing driver abandoned the scene. Even if the driver remains unidentified, uninsured motorist coverage or other insurance resources may offer the family a path to financial recovery.
This incident also highlights the complexities of pedestrian and passenger safety in multi-vehicle crashes. Necochea’s body was not discovered until nearly half a day later, raising questions about whether she was ejected during the collision or overlooked during the initial emergency response. While police have not yet clarified those circumstances, families in cases like this often demand a thorough review to ensure all responsible parties are held accountable.
From a civil standpoint, the family of Celeste Necochea may have grounds to pursue a wrongful death claim against the at-fault driver once identified. Such a claim can provide compensation for funeral costs, lost financial support, and the profound emotional toll of her sudden death.
Hit-and-run collisions create devastating uncertainty for victims’ loved ones, compounding grief with unanswered questions. Pursuing criminal accountability and civil justice can provide a measure of resolution, even when the tragedy cannot be undone.
I extend my deepest condolences to the family and friends of Celeste Necochea at this time.
Source: Times of San Diego