Santa Rosa, CA (December 31, 2025) – According to the Santa Rosa Police Department (SRPD), 74-year-old Geary Wade Grady was identified as the victim who died from his injuries incurred from a hit-and-run collision on New Year’s Eve in Santa Rosa.
Incident Details: On December 31, 2025, around 7:13 p.m., SRPD officers responded to investigate a collision between a vehicle and a pedestrian. The collision was at Morgan Street and College Avenue in Santa Rosa.
The suspected driver of the vehicle fled the scene. He was later arrested and booked into Sonoma County Jail. He is facing a felony charge for a hit-and-run with serious bodily injury.
Geary, the pedestrian struck by the vehicle, was taken to the hospital with life-threatening injuries. He was on life support and succumbed to his injuries on Tuesday, January 6, 2026.
Investigation: Despite the arrest of the driver, the SRPD is continuing to investigate the New Year’s Eve hit-and-run collision that led to the death of Geary Wade Grady. Investigators will likely focus on:
- Crash reconstruction: Determining how the pedestrian was struck, including the point of impact and vehicle path of travel.
- Right-of-way factors: Whether Grady was in a crosswalk or otherwise lawfully crossing at the time of the collision.
- Scene evidence: Reviewing debris, roadway markings, and any vehicle damage to confirm what happened.
- Video and witness review: Collecting witness statements and checking for nearby surveillance or traffic camera footage.
- Driver actions after impact: Documenting the driver’s decision to flee and what occurred before the arrest.
Together, these findings will help confirm fault and support the ongoing criminal case.
Legal Considerations: Hit-and-run crashes often involve both criminal charges and civil liability. Since the suspected driver has been arrested and is facing a felony hit-and-run charge, the criminal case may address punishment and accountability. A separate civil claim may help Grady’s family seek compensation for the harm caused.
For Grady’s loved ones, a wrongful death claim may help recover funeral and burial expenses, medical costs incurred before his passing, and the loss of companionship and support resulting from this tragedy.
I extend my deepest heartfelt sympathies to the family and loved ones of Geary Wade Grady during this difficult time.
Source: KRON4 News