Teen's Death Sparks Safety Concerns

The driver who hit and killed a North County teenager remained at large Sunday.

15-year-old Lucas Giaconelli was skateboarding with friends at around 7p.m. Friday near Thibodo Road and Edna Way when he was hit by a white 90's model Camry.

“My son told me that they came running back because Lucas had been hit by a car,” parent Mike Redfield. “Obviously the boys were very upset and didn't really know how to react.”

The driver fled the scene. The teenager was transported to Palomar Medical Center where he later died.

“I can't imagine someone taking a life and then being able to go home and go to sleep at night and live with themselves like that. I just can't believe it,” the victim’s friend Haily Davila said.

Giaconelli was a freshman at Rancho Buena Vista High School. Friends describe him as a polite teenager and a great skater.

“He's in a better place now. He's looking down on us,” the victim’s friend Will Porter said crying. “He was the funniest person to skate with. He would make you laugh. He made our group.”

Residents say drivers usually speed through that street. There's no sidewalk where Lucas was hit.

“We need stop lights and stop signs and sidewalks, so all our kids can be safe,” Davila said.

The white Camry involved in the hit and run also had a headlight out and it could have front end damage.

Anyone with information should call the Sheriff's department.

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