Burlingame Family Sues After 4-Year-Old Son's Death

Lawsuit alleges hazardous parking lot conditions and e-bike safety concerns contributed to fatal accident.

Mar. 13, 2026 at 2:35pm

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The family of a 4-year-old boy killed last summer in a downtown Burlingame parking lot has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the city. The lawsuit alleges the driver's view was obstructed by a large SUV parked near the driveway, and that an 11-year-old riding an e-bike collided with the driver's vehicle, contributing to the crash that killed Ayden Fang.

Why it matters

The case highlights ongoing concerns about public safety and the need for better regulation around e-bikes, especially in areas with high pedestrian traffic. The family is seeking justice and calling for the community to prevent similar tragedies.

The details

Ayden Fang was playing outside a restaurant on Donnelly Avenue last August when a car pulling out of a parking lot struck and killed him. The San Mateo County District Attorney's Office declined to file criminal charges against the 19-year-old driver. The family's civil suit alleges the driver's view was obstructed and that an 11-year-old riding an e-bike collided with the driver's vehicle, contributing to the crash.

  • Ayden Fang was killed in the incident last August.
  • The family filed the wrongful death lawsuit on March 13, 2026.

The players

Ayden Fang

A 4-year-old boy who was killed in the parking lot accident.

Ming Fang

Ayden's father, who is calling for the community to prevent similar tragedies.

Niall P. McCarthy

The family's attorney, who argues that more accidents will occur without government action on e-bike regulation.

City of Burlingame

The defendant named in the wrongful death lawsuit.

19-year-old driver

The driver involved in the fatal accident, whose parents are also named in the lawsuit.

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What they’re saying

“The idea that we have an 11-year-old driving around with their younger sibling on a city street is preposterous. There's going to be more accidents until the government does something about e-bikes.”

— Niall P. McCarthy, Family attorney

“We should not and cannot let another family suffer again. Today, we seek justice for Ayden, for his brother, for our family, for our community.”

— Ming Fang, Ayden's father

What’s next

The judge will determine whether the city of Burlingame, the 19-year-old driver, and the parents of the 11-year-old e-bike rider are liable in the wrongful death lawsuit.

The takeaway

This tragic case highlights the need for improved public safety measures, better regulation of e-bikes, and a renewed focus on protecting vulnerable road users like young children in high-traffic areas. The family's pursuit of justice aims to prevent similar accidents and bring about positive change in the community.