Reginald Matthews Jr. Killed in Hesperia Hit-and-Run
The 39-year-old pedestrian was struck by an unknown vehicle that fled the scene on Sequoia Street
Reginald Matthews Jr., 39, was killed in a hit-and-run crash on Sequoia Street near Arroyo Avenue early Monday, according to the Hesperia Police Department.
Detectives are searching for an unknown westbound vehicle that fled the scene immediately after the collision. The make and model remain unidentified, and investigators have not determined if impairment played a role.
Emergency crews from the San Bernardino County Fire Department arrived at approximately 1:28 a.m. First responders found the victim lying in the westbound lane, where he was pronounced dead.
Authorities are urging the community to come forward with any information to help identify the fleeing driver. Anonymous tips can be submitted through the We-Tip hotline as the search continues.
The sudden loss of a loved one in a hit-and-run leaves families grappling with deep grief and unanswered questions. Victims like Reginald Matthews Jr. are killed in pedestrian accidents across the country, and the community impact is deep as residents seek justice for the grieving family.
How do investigators track fleeing drivers on Sequoia Street?
Candice Bond, managing partner at Bond Legal, said, "Surveillance footage disappears faster than most people realize, since many business systems record over older files within a few days. Once footage is gone, a strong lead can vanish with no realistic way to recover the information."
"Legal counsel understands the urgency and can move quickly to secure recordings before deletion, giving surviving relatives a better chance at real answers," added Bond, who is also a national legal analyst for Accident News.
According to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, 2,872 deaths occurred in hit-and-run crashes nationally in 2023, accounting for 7% of all crash death.
In California, hit-and-runs are disproportionately associated with pedestrians, representing a significant safety challenge for local communities.
What are the legal options for families of hit-and-run victims?
California wrongful death statute
Under Cal. Code Civ. Proc. § 377.60, surviving family members may file a wrongful death action. California applies pure comparative fault. The statute of limitations is 2 years from the date of death.
Recoverable damages may include loss of financial support, loss of companionship, funeral expenses, and the decedent's pre-death pain and suffering.
"Insurance adjusters frequently reach out within days, asking for recorded statements while families are still busy planning a funeral service," said Stefano Formica, of counsel at Bond Legal.
Formica, who is also a national legal analyst for Accident News, noted, "An attorney can take over communication entirely, handling every difficult call and letting grieving relatives simply focus on close family."