Newhall, California (December 10, 2025) — Authorities are investigating the death of a 26-year-old Lancaster man who was found unconscious down an embankment in Newhall, with investigators now suspecting he may have been struck by a vehicle. The victim was identified as Angel Negrete, 26, of Lancaster, according to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.
Incident Details: Deputies responded at approximately 10 a.m. Wednesday, reports of an unconscious man located down an embankment near the intersection of Sierra Highway and Needham Ranch Parkway. First responders found Negrete unresponsive, and he was pronounced dead at the scene.
Sheriff’s officials stated that preliminary information suggests Negrete died several hours before authorities were notified. Based on the nature of his injuries, investigators believe he may have been struck by a vehicle, though no witnesses were located at the scene during the hours-long investigation. No vehicle or driver has been identified at this time.
Investigation: The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Traffic Unit is continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding Negrete’s death. Detectives are awaiting the official determination of cause of death from the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s Office, which will be critical in confirming whether the injuries are consistent with a vehicle-pedestrian collision.
In suspected hit-and-run or unobserved pedestrian incidents, investigators typically examine injury patterns, debris distribution, and roadway conditions to determine whether a vehicle was involved in the incident. They may also analyze nearby surveillance footage, traffic camera data, and license plate reader information in the surrounding area. Cell phone records, witness canvassing, and reports of damaged vehicles are often reviewed to help establish a timeline and identify potential suspects.
Because no witnesses were immediately located, authorities are relying heavily on forensic evidence and public assistance to piece together what happened in the hours before Negrete was found.
Legal Considerations: Deaths that occur under unclear circumstances are especially devastating for families, who are left not only with grief but with unanswered questions. If Angel Negrete was struck by a vehicle, California law requires drivers to stop immediately, render aid, and notify emergency services. Fleeing the scene of a collision involving serious injury or death can constitute a felony offense.
If investigators confirm that a vehicle caused his injuries, Angel’s family may have the right to pursue a wrongful death claim to seek accountability and recover damages related to funeral expenses, emotional suffering, and the profound loss of companionship. Civil claims can proceed even when criminal investigations are ongoing or when a driver has not yet been identified.
I extend my deepest condolences to the Negrete family and loved ones as they await answers during this difficult time.