Accident on West Las Flores Avenue claims life of 15-year-old girl, authorities say
RIDGECREST, CA, (October 26, 2024) - A Burroughs High School freshman's life was tragically cut short following a Saturday morning crash in Ridgecrest, police said, adding a search is ongoing to locate the suspect.
Trona resident Cecilia "CeCe" Toussaint, 15, was fatally struck by a hit-and-run driver along Las Flores Avenue in Ridgecrest Saturday morning, according to a news release.
The tragedy unfolded in the early morning hours of Oct. 26 in the 400 block of West Las Flores Avenue.
Based on preliminary findings, the victim—identified as Trona resident Cecilia "CeCe" Toussaint—was struck by a driver who, police say, did not stop at the scene. The heartbreaking news has left CeCe's parents, Craig and Karla Plaskett, with many unanswered questions as they grieve her sudden death. CeCe, who was born in Ridgecrest, celebrated her 15th birthday on Sept. 28.
Anyone with information about the deadly incident was urged to contact the Ridgecrest Police Department.
This is an ongoing investigation.
CRASH INVESTIGATION NEEDED
Failure to remain on the collision site can attract criminal charges, and the victim can also pursue a case against the driver.
Hit-and-run crashes killed around 2049 people in 2016— a 62% increase from 2009, the last year in which a downward trend was recorded. AAA said the data makes 2016 the deadliest year since the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration began compiling statistics on fatal motor vehicle crashes in 1975.
“Having the proper resources is extremely important to investigate a pedestrian accident case and prove negligence,” said Candice Bond, an experienced hit-and-run accident attorney and a Managing Partner of Bond Legal.
“The driver always has to take great care behind the wheel,” Bond added.
WRONGFUL DEATH CLAIM
Pending the investigation, the family of Cecilia "CeCe" Toussaint may be entitled to a wrongful death claim. Family members of wrongful death victims may seek damages for loss of companionship, pain and suffering, and emotional distress following a catastrophic accident such as this incident.
“The stress and sorrow can be extremely overwhelming after losing a loved one in an accident,” said Bond, a national legal analyst for Newsline.
“A wrongful death lawyer will stay updated on the official investigation and help ensure that the victim's legal rights and best interests are protected.”
If you have been injured or a loved one has been killed at the hands of a hit-and-run driver and would like a no-cost consultation, our national legal analyst Candice Bond is available for a free consultation to guide you.
(Candice Bond, our national legal analyst, is a Managing Partner at Bond Legal. Newsline can and does use quotes from prior interviews with our analysts for our news articles. If you would like to contact Bond Legal to help you, please call 866-985-6515 or use the submission box found on this page. Legal analysts quoted may or may not be licensed in your state).