Mira Mesa, California (December 17, 2025) — Authorities have identified a teenage pedestrian who was fatally struck by a vehicle last weekend on a foggy Mira Mesa street, a devastating loss that has shaken the local community. The victim was Jayden Stewart, 14, a San Diego resident who died after being hit by an SUV Saturday night.
Incident Details: According to San Diego police and the San Diego County Medical Examiner’s Office, the collision occurred at approximately 8:30 p.m. Saturday at the intersection of Camino Ruiz and Hydra Lane. Investigators said Jayden was walking in the roadway when he was struck by a northbound 2020 Chevrolet Traverse driven by a 40-year-old man.
Paramedics transported Jayden to Scripps Memorial Hospital La Jolla, where he was later pronounced dead. Police reported that dense fog was present in the area at the time of the crash, significantly reducing visibility.
The driver remained at the scene and cooperated with investigators. Authorities stated that alcohol or drugs are not suspected to have been factors in the collision.
Investigation: The San Diego Police Department continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the fatal crash. In pedestrian collisions involving limited visibility, investigators typically evaluate how environmental conditions, such as fog, lighting, and sight distance, affected a driver’s ability to perceive and respond to someone in the roadway.
Detectives will examine physical evidence, including vehicle impact points, roadway markings, and the pedestrian’s location at the time of impact. They may also review vehicle data, speed estimates, and any available surveillance or residential camera footage to understand reaction times better and stopping distances under foggy conditions.
Investigators often assess whether drivers adjusted their speed appropriately for reduced visibility, a key consideration when weather conditions make hazards harder to detect. The analysis may also include roadway design and whether additional warning measures or lighting were present at the intersection.
Legal Considerations: The death of a child in a traffic collision is among the most painful losses a family can endure. Drivers have a legal duty to operate their vehicles at a speed and in a manner that is safe for the conditions, including fog or other visibility impairments. Even when impairment is not involved, failing to slow down or exercise heightened caution in poor visibility can constitute negligence under California civil law.
If the investigation determines that unsafe speed or inadequate caution played a role, Jayden’s family may have grounds to pursue a wrongful death claim. Should the investigation conclude that the accident involved unsafe speed or a lack of caution, Jayden’s family could have a basis for initiating a wrongful death claim. Such claims can seek compensation for funeral expenses and acknowledge the profound emotional loss suffered by surviving loved ones. While no legal action can undo this tragedy, accountability can help families find answers and underscore the importance of roadway safety in challenging conditions.
My deepest condolences go out to Jayden Stewart’s family, friends, and all who are mourning the loss of such a young life.
Source: NBC San Diego