The teenager struck by a vehicle in Santa Ana on Monday has passed away

Tania Godinez Valencia, a 17-year-old, has been identified as the pedestrian who was struck by a vehicle on Monday, in Santa Ana, at the 2000 block of West 17th St.

A GoFundMe page has been set up to help Valencia’s family to pay for her funeral. The page has raised $2,435 so far of a $20,000 goal.

Valencia’s parents and her two brothers are mourning her passing. She always had a smile and was a pleasure to be around.

On Monday, July 10, 2023, at approximately 2:42 P.M., the SAPD received multiple calls regarding a pedestrian down in traffic lanes at the 2000 block of West 17th St.

SAPD police officers responded to the scene where they located the pedestrian, later identified as Valencia, in the roadway. Orange County Fire Authority also responded to the scene. Valencia was transported to a local hospital, where she eventually passed away from her injuries.

Preliminary investigation revealed that Valencia was walking north, crossing 17th Street, when she was struck by a vehicle traveling west on 17th Street. The vehicle involved in this collision remained at the scene, and the driver was cooperative. Alcohol is not believed to be a factor in this collision, however the cause of the collision remains under investigation.

The Santa Ana Police Department’s Collision Investigations Unit (CIU) is investigating this incident. Anyone with information is asked to contact Inv. L. Bao at (714) 245-8223 or the Santa Ana Police Department’s Traffic Division at (714) 245-8200.