[11-18-2025] Orange County, CA – 13-Year-Old Boy Killed After Being Struck By Vehicle at Dana Point Harbor Drive in Dana Point

A 13-year-old boy was killed after being struck by a vehicle in Dana Point on Tuesday morning, November 18, 2025.

Deputies responded around 8:20 a.m. to Dana Point Harbor Drive and Park Lantern on reports of a crash involving a vehicle and a pedestrian, according to the Orange County Sheriff’s Department.

Deputies found the juvenile victim with severe injuries. He was later pronounced dead at a hospital, Sgt. Lizbeth Gwisdalla said.

The driver fled the scene, but witnesses helped deputies identify and locate the driver about two to three miles away. The driver, a 59-year-old local resident, was arrested on suspicion of hit-and-run and driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs, according to the sheriff’s department.

Authorities continue to investigate the crash.

Contact Our DUI Accident Victim Lawyers In Dana Point, CA

Crashes involving impaired drivers can be especially devastating, particularly when they involve young pedestrians. Families affected by these incidents often face overwhelming emotional and financial challenges. Understanding your legal rights after such a tragedy may help you take the next steps toward clarity and accountability.

Legal guidance can assist in reviewing police reports, assessing the circumstances of the crash, and exploring what options may be available to you. DUI accident victim lawyers in Dana Point can help you understand how California law applies to DUI-related and hit-and-run pedestrian collisions, as well as what steps you may consider moving forward.

If your loved one was involved in a DUI-related hit-and-run accident, you may contact us at (888) 488-1391 or fill out our “Do I Have A Case?” form for a free initial consultation.

What To Do After A DUI-Related Hit-and-Run Pedestrian Accident

The aftermath of a DUI-related hit-and-run crash can be overwhelming and painful for families. Taking certain steps may help protect your rights and preserve key information.

1. Call 911 And Report The Incident
   Immediately contact emergency services. First responders will assist the injured, provide medical care, and create an official report that may support the investigation.
2. Preserve Evidence And Document The Scene
   If it is safe, take photographs of the roadway, nearby landmarks, and any visible evidence. These details may help investigators understand how the collision occurred.
3. Collect Witness Information
   If witnesses were present, gather their names and contact details. Their statements may help law enforcement identify the driver and clarify what happened.
4. Consult With DUI Accident Victim Lawyers
   An attorney may help explain your legal options, coordinate with law enforcement, and ensure that important evidence is reviewed. Legal support can also guide you in exploring potential compensation related to funeral costs, medical bills, and other losses.

I HAD AN ACCIDENT

DUI Accident Statistics

Driving under the influence remains a major safety issue in the United States. In 2023, the National Safety Council reported 12,429 deaths connected to alcohol-related crashes. This reflects a 7.6-percent decrease from the year before and marks the second straight year that these fatalities have gone down, showing the impact of ongoing efforts to address impaired driving.

A crash is classified as alcohol-impaired when at least one driver or motorcyclist has a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08 grams per deciliter or higher. This is the legal limit in most states, and going over it makes driving both unsafe and unlawful.