San Rafael, California (October 29, 2025) — Authorities have identified the woman struck and killed by a van Wednesday morning in downtown San Rafael as 86-year-old Susan Y. Jung, a resident of the city. The Marin County Coroner’s Office released her identity Thursday following notification of family members.
Incident Details: The fatal collision occurred around 10:30 a.m. at the intersection of A and Second streets. According to the San Rafael Police Department, Jung was walking north across Second Street in a designated crosswalk on the east side of A Street when a southbound van turned left and struck her in the intersection.
Emergency responders arrived promptly, but Jung succumbed to her injuries at the scene. The driver of the van remained on-site and cooperated fully with investigators. Police stated that drugs and alcohol are not believed to have been factors in the collision. Traffic in the downtown area was restricted for roughly three hours while officers processed evidence and documented the crash scene.
Investigation: The San Rafael Police Department’s Major Accident Investigation Team is conducting a detailed examination of the crash, which may take several months to complete. Investigators are reviewing roadway design, visibility, and driver behavior to determine whether any traffic violations occurred, including the need for drivers to yield to pedestrians in marked crosswalks, occurred.
Authorities have not released the driver’s name. The department noted that this is the second pedestrian fatality in downtown San Rafael since September, underscoring growing safety concerns in the area.
Legal Considerations: Cases involving pedestrian fatalities often require a thorough analysis of traffic signal timing, vehicle speed, and intersection visibility. When a pedestrian is struck while crossing in a marked crosswalk, questions of liability typically focus on whether the driver exercised reasonable care and complied with right-of-way laws. Even without impairment or criminal intent, a driver who fails to yield or maintain proper lookout may be found civilly negligent under California law.
The Jung family may have grounds to pursue a wrongful death claim to seek justice and compensation for funeral costs, emotional loss, and other damages. This type of lawsuit can provide financial support for the family members left behind and hold the responsible party accountable for their actions.
I extend my deepest condolences to the family and friends of Susan Jung as they mourn this tragic and heartbreaking loss.
Source: Marin Independent Journal