Pacific Beach, California, January 19, 2026
The Pacific Beach community is mourning the loss of 6-year-old Hudson Stephen O’Loughlin, who was tragically killed in a hit-and-run incident while riding his bicycle. The accident occurred at the intersection of Pacific Beach Drive and Ingraham Street. The driver, a 32-year-old woman, briefly stopped before fleeing the scene but was later apprehended. A growing memorial has been established, and residents are advocating for improved safety measures in the area to prevent future tragedies.
Pacific Beach, California
Tragic Hit-and-Run Claims Life of 6-Year-Old Bicyclist in Pacific Beach
On Saturday, January 17, 2026, a devastating hit-and-run incident occurred in Pacific Beach, resulting in the death of 6-year-old Hudson Stephen O’Loughlin. The young boy was struck while riding his bicycle near the intersection of Pacific Beach Drive and Ingraham Street.
Details of the Incident
At approximately 3:45 p.m., Hudson was riding his bike along the sidewalk on Pacific Beach Drive. As he attempted to cross an alley near Ingraham Street, a 32-year-old woman driving eastbound on Pacific Beach Drive made a right turn into the alley, colliding with Hudson. After stopping briefly, the driver accelerated rapidly, running over Hudson, who had been knocked off his bicycle from the initial collision. The driver then fled the scene. Hudson was transported to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead. The vehicle involved was later found in National City, and the driver was taken into custody. Alcohol was not a factor in the collision. Authorities are urging anyone with information to contact the San Diego Police Department Traffic Division or Crime Stoppers at 888-580-8477.
Community Response
The Pacific Beach community has been deeply affected by this tragedy. A growing memorial of flowers, candles, and messages has been established at the site of the incident. Residents are calling for increased safety measures in the area, including more stop signs, lights, and warning signs, to prevent future accidents. Hudson attended McKinley Elementary School, and the district has expressed condolences, offering support to students and staff during this difficult time. The family has launched a GoFundMe campaign to assist with funeral expenses.
Background Information
Pacific Beach, a vibrant neighborhood in San Diego, is known for its bustling streets and active community. The intersection of Pacific Beach Drive and Ingraham Street is a high-traffic area frequented by both pedestrians and cyclists. This incident has highlighted ongoing concerns about pedestrian and cyclist safety in the region. In response, local authorities and community members are advocating for enhanced safety measures to protect residents and visitors alike.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What happened in the hit-and-run incident in Pacific Beach?
On January 17, 2026, a 6-year-old boy named Hudson O’Loughlin was struck by a vehicle while riding his bicycle near the intersection of Pacific Beach Drive and Ingraham Street. The driver fled the scene but was later apprehended in National City. Hudson was transported to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead. The vehicle involved was later found, and the driver was taken into custody. Alcohol was not a factor in the collision. Authorities are urging anyone with information to contact the San Diego Police Department Traffic Division or Crime Stoppers at 888-580-8477.
How is the Pacific Beach community responding to the tragedy?
The community has been deeply affected by Hudson’s death. A growing memorial of flowers, candles, and messages has been established at the site of the incident. Residents are calling for increased safety measures in the area, including more stop signs, lights, and warning signs, to prevent future accidents. Hudson attended McKinley Elementary School, and the district has expressed condolences, offering support to students and staff during this difficult time. The family has launched a GoFundMe campaign to assist with funeral expenses.
What is being done to improve safety in Pacific Beach?
In response to the incident, local authorities and community members are advocating for enhanced safety measures in Pacific Beach. This includes the installation of additional stop signs, traffic lights, and warning signs at high-traffic intersections to protect pedestrians and cyclists. The goal is to prevent future accidents and ensure the safety of all residents and visitors in the area.
Key Features of the Incident
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Victim | 6-year-old Hudson Stephen O’Loughlin |
| Location | Intersection of Pacific Beach Drive and Ingraham Street, Pacific Beach, California |
| Date and Time | January 17, 2026, at approximately 3:45 p.m. |
| Driver’s Age | 32-year-old woman |
| Driver’s Actions | Struck Hudson, fled the scene, vehicle later found in National City, driver taken into custody |
| Hudson’s Condition | Transported to hospital, pronounced dead |
| Community Response | Growing memorial at incident site, calls for increased safety measures, GoFundMe campaign for funeral expenses |
| Safety Measures Advocated | Installation of additional stop signs, traffic lights, and warning signs at high-traffic intersections |
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