Oceanside, CA (March 17, 2024) – The tragic death of Tracey Gross, a 51-year-old mother of two and postal carrier, has left the Oceanside community in mourning. Gross was riding her bicycle home late Sunday night when she was struck by a car that failed to stop, dragging her bicycle 2 miles down the highway. The incident, which occurred on state Route 76 and Singh Way, has prompted a widespread search for the hit-and-run driver.
Incident Details: Gross was critically injured in the collision and was declared brain dead this week. As an organ donor, her heart, lungs, and other organs were scheduled to be removed at Scripps Green Hospital in La Jolla to benefit others, her family stated. The driver responsible for the accident has yet to be located, with police suspecting the individual resides near the collision site. Authorities are seeking a silver 2013 or 2015 Kia Optima with specific damage related to the crash.
Victim Remembered: Tracey Gross, who had been a postal carrier for the past 10 years, walking a mail route in Oceanside, is remembered by her family and the local postal office as a strong, brave woman with a beautiful soul. She deeply loved her children, Angel, 28, and Alec, 22, her family, and God. Her loss has profoundly impacted those who knew her, with her mother, Kim Booth, expressing how much she will be missed. Bill Perez, her former husband, has setup a GoFundMe campaign to help the family during this difficult time.
Legal Implications: Hit-and-run is a very serious criminal offense. If found, the driver will face several charges related to the collision. Additionally, Tracey’s family may seek a wrongful death claim against the driver for their loss, including any funeral expenses, medical costs, loss of companionship, and more.
Call for Public Assistance: The Oceanside Police Department has urged anyone with information about the hit-and-run to assist in locating the driver and the vehicle involved. The community’s help is crucial in solving this case and bringing closure to Tracey’s family.
I offer my sincerest condolences to Tracey’s family—including her mother, children, and ex-husband—as well as friends and colleagues. I hope they receive the support and comfort they need following this horrific incident. I also hope that the driver is soon brought to justice.
Source: San Diego Union-Tribune