Ridgecrest, CA — The Kern County Coroner’s Office has identified 15-year-old Cecelia Tousaint of Trona as the young girl who lost her life following a vehicle collision in Ridgecrest on October 26, 2024, according to KBAK.
The Ridgecrest Police Department received a report around 2:00 AM of an unresponsive person on the 400 block of West Las Flores Avenue.
Upon arrival at the scene, officers of the Ridgecrest Police Department discovered Cecelia unresponsive in the roadway. They immediately initiated CPR and were joined by Kern County Fire Department personnel and Liberty Ambulance paramedics. Despite their combined efforts, Cecelia was pronounced deceased at the scene.
Authorities are conducting a thorough investigation to determine details surrounding the collision and are currently seeking information regarding the vehicle involved. The Ridgecrest Police Department encourages anyone with knowledge of the incident to come forward to aid in the investigation.
Pedestrian Fatalities and Wrongful Death Claims
Drivers have a specific “Duty of Care” towards pedestrians, who are particularly vulnerable in traffic accidents. This responsibility includes being vigilant for pedestrians near the roadway and, if a fatal collision occurs, staying with the victim, alerting emergency responders, and cooperating with authorities investigating the crash.
For those who lose a loved one in a pedestrian accident, filing a Wrongful Death claim with the assistance of an experienced attorney can provide compensation for medical bills, funeral costs, and other related damages.
If the at-fault driver avoids legal consequences, compensation might still be available through a family member’s uninsured driver coverage. Consulting with a personal injury attorney can help determine the best options in such cases.
If you or someone you love was harmed in an accident like the one described here, feel free to contact Maison Law for any questions or to receive a no-cost, no-obligation case assessment.
California Hit-and-Run Laws
California Law requires drivers involved in a collision to stop their vehicle, notify law enforcement, and exchange insurance information with others involved. Failure to do so, considered to be a “hit-and-run,” is a misdemeanor in cases of property damage and a felony when someone has been injured.
