Berkeley, CA — On the night of Wednesday, October 8, 2026, two pedestrians lost their lives after being struck in a crosswalk in a hit-and-run, according to KRON.
The Berkeley Police Department reports that the fatal collision took place around 9 PM in the eastern crosswalk at the intersection of University Avenue and Eighth Street in West Berkeley, not far from the James Kenney Community Center.
Authorities have identified the two victims as a 78-year-old man and a 75-year-old woman, and the hit-and-run suspect’s vehicle has been described as a dark-colored sedan last seen traveling eastbound.
Emergency responders found that the pedestrians had sustained major injuries in the crash and provided them with transportation to a local hospital for treatment. Unfortunately, despite life-saving efforts, both succumbed to their injuries.
No further details have been released regarding the description of the vehicle involved or its driver. The identities of the victims have not yet been made available to the public. Anyone with information regarding this fatal hit-and-run is asked to contact the Berkeley PD Traffic Unit. This is an ongoing investigation.
Fatal Pedestrian Hit-and-Run Collisions and Wrongful Death Claims
California law requires motorists to exercise an extra duty of care toward pedestrians, due to their greater vulnerability to serious injury in a collision. They are expected to make every reasonable effort to avoid colliding with pedestrians and, if a crash does occur, to remain with the pedestrian, help them receive medical assistance, and cooperate with law enforcement.
Failure to remain at the crash site is considered a felony in the case of injury or death. By violating a traffic safety law, the driver involved may be considered to have committed “negligence per se,” potentially increasing their share of liability in the death of the two pedestrians.
If the hit-and-run suspect is apprehended, the family of the victims may have grounds to pursue a wrongful death claim, which can provide compensation for damages such as funeral expenses and the loss of companionship and support that the victim provided. Should the driver involved escape justice, the grieving family may still be able to seek compensation through their uninsured motorist coverage. A wrongful death lawyer can help explore all available options.
California Wrongful Death Lawyer
If you or someone you love has been affected by an accident similar to this fatal pedestrian hit-and-run at the intersection of University Avenue and Eighth Street in West Berkeley, please consider reaching out to a California wrongful death lawyer with any questions and to receive a no-cost, no-obligation case evaluation.
