Irvine, California (January 19, 2026) — A Fullerton family is facing unimaginable heartbreak after Jesus Leon, a husband and father, was declared brain-dead following a hit-and-run collision on the Interstate 5 Freeway in Irvine. Leon was critically injured while commuting to work with his wife when another vehicle struck their car and fled the scene, according to reports.
Incident Details: The crash occurred around 1 p.m. on January 19 along the southbound I-5 Freeway in Irvine, authorities said. Jesus Leon and his wife were traveling together on their way to work when their vehicle was struck by what witnesses described as a white BMW sedan with only one functioning headlight.
The force of the collision caused catastrophic injuries to Leon. The driver of the BMW did not stop and fled the scene, leaving Leon gravely injured. Emergency responders transported Leon to a hospital, where he was later declared brain-dead. His wife survived the crash, though details regarding her injuries have not been publicly released.
As of the most recent reporting, the suspect driver had not been identified, and the crash remains under investigation as a felony hit-and-run.
Investigation: Law enforcement agencies are actively investigating the collision and searching for the vehicle involved. In freeway hit-and-run cases, investigators typically focus on locating witness statements, dash camera footage, traffic surveillance video, and license plate reader data that may help identify the fleeing vehicle.
The suspect car, a white BMW with one working headlight, is key to the investigation. Authorities will canvass nearby businesses, freeway on-ramps, and surface streets for video evidence of the vehicle before or after the crash. Investigators will analyze physical evidence, such as debris, paint transfer, and damage patterns, to determine the impact point, the BMW’s speed, and the BMW’s lane position at the collision. Accident reconstruction may reveal if unsafe lane changes, speed, or distracted driving contributed.
Since the crash occurred during the day on a busy freeway, police believe witnesses may have seen the collision or the fleeing vehicle. Finding the driver will be a primary focus as the investigation proceeds.
Legal Considerations: Under California law, leaving the scene of a crash that results in severe injury or death is a felony offense, carrying significant criminal penalties. In addition to criminal liability, hit-and-run drivers may face substantial civil exposure for the harm they cause.
From a civil perspective, pending the outcome of the investigation, the Leon family may pursue a personal injury claim for damages, including lifetime medical care and lost income. When a driver flees the scene, it compounds the harm by delaying aid and denying victims and families immediate accountability. While the legal process cannot undo what has happened, it can uncover the truth and hold the responsible party accountable.
I offer my deepest condolences to the Leon family as they cope with this tragic loss and seek answers.
Source: FOX 11 Los Angeles