Prosecutors in San Diego are preparing to announce formal charges against a California woman accused of a horrific double hit-and-run incident that claimed the life of a six-year-old boy. The case has sparked community outrage and a family-led petition demanding full accountability.
Details of the Pacific Beach Tragedy
According to San Diego police investigators, the tragic events unfolded on the afternoon of January 17th in the Pacific Beach neighbourhood. First-grader Hudson O'Loughlin was riding his bicycle with family members, crossing an alley on Pacific Beach Drive near Ingraham Street, when he was struck by an SUV driven by 32-year-old Tiffany Sanchez.
Police reports indicate that the initial impact knocked the child from his bike. Shockingly, investigators allege that Sanchez then stopped her vehicle for several seconds before pressing the accelerator and driving over Hudson's body a second time. She subsequently fled the scene without offering assistance.
Witness Account and Immediate Aftermath
David Morrow, a motorist travelling behind Sanchez's vehicle, witnessed the entire incident. "The lady in front of me cut right into the alley and didn't see the kid, obviously, and ran over the kid," Morrow told local media. He described the harrowing sequence: "Right after she hit the kid, she ran over him twice. Like, both wheels ran over the kid. She stopped right in front for about ten seconds."
Morrow immediately recorded the license plate number before Sanchez drove away. He revealed that he intended to pursue the fleeing vehicle but was stopped by the child's father at the scene.
Family's Fight for Justice
When charges were not immediately filed following Sanchez's arrest, Hudson's family launched a public petition titled "Urge the County District Attorney: We Need Justice for Hudson." The petition states: "Hudson O'Loughlin was biking with his family on the sidewalk in Pacific Beach when he was hit and killed by a violent driver, who fled the scene. The driver was later arrested thanks to the vigilance of bystanders."
Hudson's aunt, Nicole O'Loughlin, emphasised in a Facebook statement that this was no ordinary accident. "After an initial collision that threw Hudson from his bike, the driver chose to accelerate instead of stopping to help, fatally running him over and then fleeing the scene," she wrote. "The facts show a clear disregard for human life."
Legal Proceedings and Community Mourning
Sanchez was initially arrested on suspicion of vehicular manslaughter without gross negligence and hit-and-run causing death. A spokesperson for the San Diego County District Attorney's Office confirmed that formal charges have now been filed and that Sanchez is scheduled for arraignment.
The community has responded with an outpouring of grief. A memorial featuring flowers, stuffed animals, and handwritten notes has grown at the crash site. The San Diego Unified School District has announced that grief counsellors will be available at McKinley Elementary School, where Hudson was a student.
Remembering Hudson O'Loughlin
A GoFundMe page established for the family paints a picture of a vibrant child full of potential. Described as "deeply loved" with "contagious energy," Hudson had a passion for science, BMX cycling, swimming, skating, and building intricate Lego creations.
"He filled every room with his spirit," the tribute continues. "Whether he was racing on his bike, splashing in the pool, or creating new Lego masterpieces, Hudson's adventurous and creative nature inspired everyone around him." His aunt added on social media: "Hudson was a bright, curious young boy with his whole life ahead of him. His death has shaken all of us."
The case continues to develop as legal proceedings move forward, with the family and community watching closely to ensure what they describe as appropriate justice for a devastating loss.
