‘He was a light': 6yearold killed in Pacific Beach hitandrun remembered
Feb 03, 2026
A 6-year-old boy who was killed by a hit-and-run driver in Pacific Beach last month was remembered by friends, family and the bicycle community on Tuesday.
There was a memorial walk Tuesday evening and dedication where Hudson O’Loughlin was struck and killed.
The latest addition to the growi
ng sidewalk shrine at Pacific Beach Drive and Ingraham Street is a bike painted white — a “ghost bike” dedicated to Hudson.
Previous coverage:
Pacific Beach
Jan 17
6-year-old killed in hit-and-run crash in Pacific Beach
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Jan 18
Memorial grows for 6-year-old killed in Pacific Beach hit-and-run
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Jan 28
Others may be to blame in PB crash that killed boy, family's civil attorney says
Early Tuesday evening, a procession led by Hudson’s mother and father Matt and Juliana made its way down Pacific Beach Drive. More than 100 mourners locked arms, shared warm hugs and shed tears. Six years old may not be a lot of life, but the victim’s family says he had a lot of life to give.
“Hudson was the most amazing kid. He was a light. The kindest kid that taught everybody to be kind,” said Nicole O’Loughlin, Hudson’s aunt.
The crowd wore Hudson’s favorite colors, blue, orange and camouflage. His mother held tightly her son’s favorite stuffed animal: a cozy dog named Bama.
“This has been just an extreme tragedy for our family, and it’s really hard. Unimaginable really,” Nicole O’Loughlin said.
Hudson was killed while riding his bike with his family. Investigators and witnesses say he was struck by a hit-and-run driver crossing an alley just a few feet behind his father.
Just about a week ago, 32-year-old Tiffany Sanchez pleaded not guilty to gross vehicular manslaughter and hit-and-run causing death charges in connection to the case.
“We have been advocating for slowing speeds near school zone, which the city has the authority to do,” Circulate San Diego spokesperson Aria Grossman said.
Circulate San Diego is one of the organizers of the walk. The organization has a goal of zero traffic deaths. Grossman says the ghost bike sends a stark message.
“It’s a powerful message. It generally touches people right at their heart. It’s a good thing,” Grossman said.
The family has it’s own message for those touched by Hudson’s death.
“We want to make sure his memory lives on. I think the best thing he did was make sure everybody was treated with kindness and to take care of each other,” Nicole O’Loughlin said.
Hudson’s funeral is Wednesday. The family is holding a private ceremony.
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