The city of Los Angeles is once again mourning the senseless and violent loss of a pedestrian following a hit-and-run incident that claimed the life of 75-year-old Gaston Moreau. A resident whose life spanned decades of experience and quiet presence in his community, Moreau’s sudden death has sent ripples of grief and concern throughout South Los Angeles, where the incident occurred. Confirmed by the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s Office, Moreau was struck and killed while walking in a marked crosswalk at the intersection of Vermont Avenue and 90th Street around 9 p.m. on Thursday evening.

According to initial findings by the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD), Moreau was using the crosswalk as intended when a small, four-door sedan, described only in vague terms by preliminary witnesses, sped northbound on Vermont Avenue and collided with him. The impact proved fatal. Emergency responders arrived quickly, but despite efforts to revive him, Gaston Moreau was pronounced dead at the scene. The vehicle, instead of stopping to render aid or report the collision—as required by law—fled the scene and disappeared into the night.

The crime scene on Vermont Avenue was quickly secured as officers from the LAPD’s South Traffic Division launched an immediate investigation. No surveillance footage had been publicly released as of Friday evening, and no arrests had been made. The only description available to investigators and the public is of a compact, four-door sedan, northbound at the time of the crash.

Officials have issued an urgent call for assistance from the public. The LAPD has provided multiple avenues for community members to share information, either anonymously or directly with investigators. Tip lines have been opened via the South Traffic Division at 323-421-2577 and the LAPD non-emergency line at 877-527-3247. For those wishing to remain anonymous, Crime Stoppers is accepting tips at 800-222-8477 and through their digital platform at lacrimestoppers.org.

The response from residents in the area has been one of anger and sorrow. Many are asking why pedestrian deaths—especially in marked crosswalks—remain so prevalent, particularly in underserved communities in South Los Angeles. Gaston Moreau’s name joins a growing list of pedestrians who have lost their lives in hit-and-run incidents that occur far too often. His death is prompting renewed calls for citywide reform, increased traffic enforcement, better lighting at intersections, and enhanced protections for vulnerable road users.

While law enforcement continues canvassing the neighborhood, speaking with potential witnesses and searching for any trace of the vehicle responsible, community leaders are taking to social media and local forums to share Moreau’s name and urge witnesses to come forward. One local resident posted, “We owe it to Gaston and his family to make sure this doesn’t get swept under the rug. Someone saw something. Say something.”

The moral and legal implications of a hit-and-run cannot be overstated. Under California law, drivers involved in collisions—especially those that result in injury or death—must remain at the scene and provide aid. Fleeing the scene is not only a criminal act but a severe breach of social responsibility. For the Moreau family, justice remains elusive, but the investigation continues.

As the LAPD processes forensic evidence and investigators work to retrieve video footage from nearby businesses or traffic cameras, the community waits for answers. Until then, the crosswalk at Vermont Avenue and 90th Street will stand as a solemn marker of a life ended prematurely. The city’s resolve to find the driver responsible must now be matched with tangible action and community cooperation.

In the coming days, a vigil is expected to be held in memory of Gaston Moreau. Family members, though currently private in their grief, are reportedly working with local organizers to ensure his memory is honored and that his death catalyzes meaningful change.

In a city as vast and fast-paced as Los Angeles, stories like Gaston Moreau’s are tragically common. Yet each one represents a unique life—a father, a neighbor, a friend. Moreau was not just a statistic. His death demands attention, accountability, and, ultimately, justice. The investigation remains ongoing.