Family identifies 6-year-old Hudson O’Loughlin after fatal SUV hit-and-run in San Diego’s Pacific Beach

What happened

A 6-year-old boy who was struck and killed by an SUV in San Diego’s Pacific Beach has been identified by family and friends as Hudson Stephen O’Loughlin. The fatal collision occurred Saturday, January 17, 2026, in the 1500 block of Pacific Beach Drive, near Ingraham Street, as the child was riding a bicycle.

Police described the incident as a hit-and-run. The driver remained at the scene briefly after the initial impact, then left. Investigators said the child was struck again as the vehicle departed. Hudson was transported to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

Driver located and arrest reported

Authorities identified the suspected driver as a 32-year-old woman. Investigators reported she was located and taken into custody later the same day in National City. As of the latest public statements, the case remains under investigation, and officials have not released full details about potential charges or court proceedings.

Community response and school support

In the hours and days after the collision, a memorial formed near the area where the boy was struck, with flowers, candles and children’s artwork left by residents. Neighbors and visitors described the location as heavily used by families and cyclists, and the crash prompted renewed attention to safety risks in and around alley entrances and turning movements along Pacific Beach Drive.

Hudson attended McKinley Elementary School. The school district informed families that crisis-response support would be available on campus for students and staff as the community processed the loss.

Key known facts investigators are working from

• Date and time: Saturday, January 17, 2026, about 3:45 p.m.
• Location: 1500 block of Pacific Beach Drive, near Ingraham Street, at or near an alley crossing/entrance
• Victim: Hudson Stephen O’Loughlin, age 6, riding a bicycle
• Driver: 32-year-old woman, later located and arrested in National City
• Status: Investigation ongoing; additional findings and any filed charges are pending

Fatal crashes involving children often hinge on a narrow set of factors investigators typically evaluate: vehicle speed, driver attention, sightlines at driveways and alleys, roadway design, and the timing and direction of turns relative to people walking or biking.

What comes next

Investigators are expected to continue gathering witness accounts, examining any available video, documenting vehicle damage, and reconstructing the driver’s path and speed leading into the alley area. Authorities have urged anyone with relevant information to contact law enforcement as the inquiry proceeds.