The family of an 8-year-old boy struck and killed in a crosswalk while riding his bicycle to school has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the County and other Defendants in response to the tragic loss which sparked safety complaints from residents.
Bradley Rofer lived in Coto de Caza and attended Wagon Wheel Elementary School. On September 1, 2022, Bradley rode his bike to school for the first time, fully equipped with proper bike safety gear, including a helmet. As Bradley crossed the crosswalk on Coto de Caza Drive at approximately 7:25 a.m., a pickup truck, later identified as a Ford F-150, made a left turn from Oso Parkway onto Coto de Caza, striking Bradley. The impact caused devastating injuries resulting in his death.
Bradley’s mother, Josette Rofer, came upon the horrific incident in her vehicle immediately after it occurred. The California Highway Patrol investigated the collision.
While two crossing guards were assigned to the intersection, none were present when the driver struck Bradley. According to the CHP investigation report, the collision happened only 20 minutes before classes were set to begin.
The crossing guard arrangements are contracted by the County with a private vendor, All City Management Services, Inc. Following public outcry over the deadly incident, the County completed a traffic study and has since approved plans to expedite the removal of stop signs at the three-way intersection and install traffic signals.
“So often it is too little too late. Our hearts ache for the Rofer family, who have endured an unimaginable tragedy. We are committed to pursuing justice for Bradley and holding those responsible accountable for the public safety hazards that led to this devastating loss” said Michael Penn, the attorney for the Rofer Family.
The Rofers hope their legal action will bring attention to such a critical public safety issue in Orange County, ensuring that no other family endures such a devastating loss.
“I never want another family to experience the pain and loss we’re going through. Bradley’s memory will always be a shining light, and we will fight tirelessly to ensure that changes are made so that no child or parent has to experience the grief and tremendous loss we have suffered,” said Josette Rofer.
The Rofer family is represented by Michael Penn with the law firm Aitken Aitken Cohn.
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