Tragic Hit-and-Run Claims Teen’s Life in Dana Point
Luis Adrian Morales Pacheco Obituary, Death News – A tragic incident unfolded in Dana Point when Luis Adrian Morales Pacheco, a 13-year-old boy from San Juan Capistrano, was fatally struck by a driver in a hit-and-run collision on Tuesday morning. Pacheco was walking to school at the time of the crash. The Orange County Sheriff’s Department (OCSD) identified the young victim shortly after the incident.
The deadly collision occurred near the intersection of Park Lantern and Dana Point Harbor Drive. According to Sgt. Lizbeth Gwisdalla of the OCSD, the driver, later identified as 59-year-old Bradley Funk, appears to have lost control of his vehicle, jumped the curb, and subsequently hit Pacheco. The teenager’s older brother, who was also walking with him on the way to school, thankfully survived the crash unharmed. Pacheco was rushed to a nearby hospital but tragically succumbed to his injuries.
Following the impact, Funk initially fled the scene of the collision, failing to stop and render aid or contact authorities. However, he was later apprehended and detained by law enforcement officials.
⚖️ Driver Accused of DUI and Prior Offenses
Upon detention, investigators immediately suspected that Funk was operating his vehicle while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. This suspicion formed the basis for the ensuing investigation and charges.
A disturbing detail emerged from the subsequent inquiry: the Orange County District Attorney’s Office revealed that Funk had been arrested and charged in a separate DUI incident just three days prior to the fatal hit-and-run in Dana Point. This indicates a concerning pattern of alleged impaired driving and raises serious questions about the circumstances that allowed him to be on the road leading up to the tragic event. The fact that the driver was facing a recent, separate charge for driving under the influence adds a layer of gravity to the circumstances surrounding Pacheco’s death.
The fatal hit-and-run has deeply impacted the community, highlighting the devastating consequences of impaired and reckless driving. The OCSD continues its investigation into the exact sequence of events that led to the crash and is working with the District Attorney’s office to pursue appropriate charges against Funk related to the death of Luis Adrian Morales Pacheco. The focus of the case will center on Funk’s alleged actions—fleeing the scene and driving under the influence—which resulted in the tragic and untimely death of the 13-year-old student.
Key Points in Summary:
- Victim: Luis Adrian Morales Pacheco, 13, of San Juan Capistrano.
- Incident: Killed in a hit-and-run while walking to school in Dana Point on Tuesday.
- Location: Near Park Lantern and Dana Point Harbor Drive.
- Driver: Bradley Funk, 59, who allegedly jumped the curb and hit the teen.
- Aftermath: Funk fled the scene but was later detained.
- Allegations: Investigators accused Funk of driving under the influence (DUI).
- Prior Offense: Funk had been arrested and charged in a separate DUI incident just three days before the fatal crash.
