Pacoima, CA (August 6, 2025) – Emergency crews responded Monday night after a tragic hit-and-run collision claimed the life of a 76-year-old woman and her dog in the Pacoima neighborhood of Los Angeles.
Paramedics and fire units from Pacoima Fire and Rescue rushed to the intersection of Osborne St and Haddon Ave shortly after 8:10 p.m. following reports of a pedestrian being struck. The woman, later identified as Gloria Vasquez, had been walking her dog along the roadway when both were hit by a vehicle traveling eastbound on Osborne St.
The vehicle, described as a white Honda Accord, did not remain at the scene. Emergency responders pronounced Vasquez dead at the location. Her dog, suffering critical injuries, was taken for treatment but later succumbed to those injuries.
Officers from the LAPD’s Foothill Division launched an immediate investigation. They located the suspect vehicle and subsequently arrested 31-year-old Ever Marquez. He was booked on felony charges of hit-and-run causing death.
Authorities have not disclosed whether speed or impairment were factors in the collision. The investigation remains ongoing, and police are encouraging any witnesses or area residents with surveillance footage to come forward.
Our thoughts are with the family and loved ones of Gloria Vasquez during this deeply painful time.
Pedestrian Accidents in California
This tragic incident in Pacoima underscores the alarming risks pedestrians face throughout California, especially during evening hours and in residential areas without protected walkways. In this case, the victim was doing something as routine as walking her dog when a driver’s failure to remain at the scene turned a preventable collision into a fatal crime.
Pedestrian deaths have remained a significant public safety concern across the state. Intersections like Osborne St and Haddon Ave are especially vulnerable to such crashes due to visibility issues and traffic flow complexity. The timing of this crash after 8:00 p.m. is consistent with national trends showing that pedestrian fatalities increase significantly at night due to lower visibility and decreased driver alertness.
A deeper look at this case points to the critical role accountability plays in pedestrian safety. While emergency responders acted swiftly, and the suspect was apprehended, it highlights how hit-and-run behavior compounds trauma for victims’ families. Immediate care for injured pedestrians is essential, and when a driver flees the scene, it often delays potentially life-saving intervention.
Los Angeles officials have made efforts to reduce traffic-related fatalities through the Vision Zero initiative, but incidents like this highlight the need for continued enforcement and infrastructure improvements. Enhanced street lighting, increased patrol presence, and community outreach on pedestrian awareness are all components of broader prevention strategies.
If you live in Pacoima or frequently travel its neighborhood streets, remember the importance of yielding to pedestrians at crosswalks and reducing speed in residential zones especially during evening hours. Tragic losses like that of Gloria Vasquez remind us of the real human cost of traffic negligence.
If someone you care about was involved in a pedestrian accident, resources are available to help navigate recovery and seek justice.
If someone you care about was involved in a pedestrian accident, resources are available to help navigate recovery and seek justice. Losing a loved one in such a sudden and traumatic way can leave families feeling overwhelmed and unsure of where to turn. Local Accident Reports provides critical updates and connects families with professionals who understand the legal and emotional complexities of these cases. Let us help you stay informed and supported contact us today for the guidance you deserve.
