Riverside, California (December 31, 2025) — Authorities are searching for a driver who fled the scene after a hit-and-run crash in Riverside claimed the life of Ronney Vasquez, a 61-year-old Moreno Valley resident, according to the California Highway Patrol and the Riverside County Coroner’s Office.
Incident Details: The collision was reported shortly before 6:00 p.m. Wednesday along El Sobrante Road, east of Mockingbird Canyon Road. CHP officers responding to the scene found Vasquez lying in the eastbound lanes of the roadway, according to CHP Officer Javier Navarro.
Emergency personnel pronounced Vasquez dead at the scene. Investigators later determined that he had been struck by a vehicle whose driver did not stop after the collision. Authorities have not released details regarding the type of vehicle involved or its direction of travel at the time of the crash.
The Riverside County Coroner’s Office identified the victim Friday as Ronney Vasquez of Moreno Valley. No additional injuries were reported, and investigators have not disclosed whether Vasquez was crossing the roadway or walking along it at the time he was struck.
Investigation: The California Highway Patrol continues to investigate the fatal hit-and-run and is actively searching for the driver responsible. In pedestrian fatalities involving fleeing drivers, investigators typically focus on reconstructing the moments leading up to impact by analyzing physical evidence such as debris, roadway markings, and the victim’s location at rest.
Investigators are expected to canvass the area for surveillance footage from nearby residences or businesses, as well as review any available traffic or license plate reader data that may capture the suspect vehicle before or after the collision. Witness statements can be especially critical in hit-and-run cases, particularly during early evening hours when traffic volumes remain high.
Because the crash occurred near dusk, investigators will also examine lighting conditions, visibility, and whether glare or shadows may have affected a driver’s ability to see a pedestrian in the roadway. Additionally, investigators may assess the roadway’s design, speed limits, and any history of prior pedestrian collisions in the area to determine whether environmental factors contributed to the fatal outcome.
Legal Considerations: Hit-and-run crashes involving pedestrians are among the most devastating roadway incidents, not only because of the vulnerability of those on foot, but because fleeing the scene can delay emergency assistance and significantly worsen outcomes. Under California law, drivers involved in collisions resulting in injury or death are required to stop and render aid. Failing to do so can carry serious criminal consequences.
From a civil standpoint, identifying the driver is a critical step in assessing potential wrongful death claims. These cases often involve evaluating driver negligence, speed, attentiveness, and whether the driver had an opportunity to avoid the collision. When a driver flees, that conduct can also be a significant factor in civil accountability.
Pending the investigation’s outcome, the Vasquez family of Ronney Vasquez may consider pursuing a wrongful death claim to address funeral expenses, loss of companionship, and the lasting emotional and financial impact of losing a family member. While no legal process can undo the loss, accountability can play an essential role in acknowledging the harm caused and honoring the life that was taken.
I extend my sincere condolences to the family and loved ones of Ronney Vasquez as they grieve this tragic loss.
Source: MyNewsLA