Family and friends of 6-year-old Hudson O'Loughlin — struck and killed by a hit-and-run driver while riding a bicycle with his family last month — will hold a memorial walk and "ghost bike" dedication Tuesday in his honor.
Little Hudson was crossing an alley on Pacific Beach Drive on Jan. 17 when a motorist hit him twice and fled the scene, authorities say.
His family "welcomes everyone to join us in a community memorial and ghost bike installation honoring and celebrating our sweet boy, his love of cycling, and the pure joy he found in every part of life," a statement from the family says.
The memorial walk is set to begin at 4 p.m. Tuesday at the joint-use field of Crown Point Junior Music Academy, an elementary school. The entrance is on Jewell Street. The walk will proceed two blocks to the crash site, Pacific Beach Drive west of Ingraham Street, for the ghost bike installation.
Attendees should dress in blue, orange or camo, O'Loughlin's favorite colors, organizers said.
A "ghost bike" is a common memorial to cyclists killed in traffic accidents — usually by motorists. The bikes are painted completely white and usually are adorned with flowers and/or personal mementos of the deceased.
An online fundraiser created to support the boy's family describes Hudson as having "an adventurous and creative nature" that "inspired everyone around him."
The page says Hudson attended school in North Park, had dreams of becoming a military scientist and had "a passion for BMX, cycling, swimming, skating and building with Legos."
"One of the sweetest memories his mom holds close is how, as soon as the sun came up, Hudson would come into her room to ask for cuddles," the page reads. "Those quiet, loving moments were a daily reminder of the deep bond they shared."
Tiffany Sanchez, 32, is accused in Hudson's death. A suspected unlicensed driver, she has pleaded not guilty to charges that include gross vehicular manslaughter and hit-and-run causing death, authorities said.