Riverside County, CA (February 21, 2026) – Sean Heiderich (22) was identified as the pedestrian who was hit and killed by a vehicle in Jurupa Valley early Saturday morning.
Incident Details: Just after midnight on February 21, 2026, a collision was reported near Van Buren Boulevard and Jurupa Road. According to the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office, deputies arrived on the scene and found the victim, Sean Heiderich, in the roadway suffering from significant injuries. The Riverside County Fire Department paramedics pronounced Heiderich dead at the scene.
Authorities conducted an immediate search of the area to locate the suspect driver. They said that the vehicle involved was an unknown-colored sedan with major damage to its front.
Investigators are continuing to investigate and say that it is currently unclear whether drugs or alcohol were factors in the crash.
Investigation: The Riverside County Sheriff’s Office is continuing to investigate the fatal hit-and-run crash near Van Buren Boulevard and Jurupa Road that killed Sean Heiderich. Investigators will work to determine how Heiderich was struck, including the vehicle’s direction of travel, speed, and whether lighting or visibility conditions played a role.
Deputies are also attempting to identify and locate the suspect driver and vehicle, described as an unknown-colored sedan with significant front-end damage. Law enforcement may review surveillance footage, witness statements, and physical evidence from the roadway to reconstruct the collision and establish a timeline.
Toxicology results and further forensic analysis may also help clarify whether drugs or alcohol were involved.
Legal Considerations: Hit-and-run crashes can result in both criminal charges and civil liability, but legal options often depend on identifying the driver responsible.
If the suspect is located and investigators determine negligence caused the crash, Heiderich’s family may have grounds to pursue a wrongful death claim. Such a claim may allow surviving loved ones to seek compensation for funeral and burial expenses, loss of financial support, and the loss of companionship and guidance.
Identifying the driver is also critical because it determines what insurance coverage may be available to compensate the family.
Our deepest sympathies go out to the family and loved ones of Sean Heiderich during this heartbreaking time.
Source: CBS News