Ocean Beach, CA (December 5, 2024) – A tragic hit-and-run collision in Ocean Beach early Thursday morning claimed the life of 30-year-old Michael Casey Ellis.
Accident Details: According to the San Diego County Medical Examiner’s Office, Ellis was jogging westbound on West Point Loma Boulevard around 5:00 a.m. At the same time, authorities report that the BMW appeared to be racing a white Ford Mustang at speeds exceeding 60 miles per hour in a 45-mph zone. The BMW was traveling southbound on Nimitz Boulevard. When Ellis went to cross Nimitz Boulevard, he was struck by the BMW sedan. The collision left Ellis fatally injured, and first responders pronounced him dead at the scene.
The driver of the BMW fled the crash site. The sedan was found abandoned about two hours later in the 3500 block of Canon Street by U.S. Navy police. The car exhibited significant front-end damage and a shattered windshield. Police have not yet identified the BMW’s driver or the driver of the Mustang.
Legal Considerations: As a personal injury attorney, I find that several aspects of this case warrant further examination.
Racing Vehicles: If witnesses’ accounts of racing prove accurate, both drivers could bear responsibility for the crash. California law prohibits street racing, as it poses a danger to other drivers and pedestrians.
Hit-and-Run Violation: The BMW driver not only failed to remain at the scene but also abandoned the vehicle, complicating efforts to hold them accountable.
The reckless behavior alleged in this case, including speeding and racing, reflects a disregard for public safety. The BMW sedan driver and Mustang driver may face criminal charges and civil liability. Civilly, Michael Casey Ellis’s family may have grounds for a wrongful death lawsuit against the drivers involved, provided evidence supports their culpability.
I extend my heartfelt condolences to Michael Casey Ellis’s family and friends during this tragic time. Losing a loved one so suddenly is devastating, and I hope the ongoing investigation provides the answers and closure they deserve.
Source: Fox 5 San Diego