Parents File Wrongful Death Lawsuit Over Burlingame Crash That Killed 4-Year-Old Son

Ayden Fang's parents claim the city knew of dangerous conditions but failed to address them before the fatal collision.

Mar. 13, 2026 at 2:05am

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The parents of a 4-year-old boy killed in a crash in Burlingame, California last year have filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the city, alleging that more could have been done to prevent the collision outside a restaurant that claimed their son's life. The lawsuit claims the city was aware of dangerous conditions in the area, including a parking spot that allegedly should have been eliminated before the tragic incident.

Why it matters

This case highlights ongoing concerns about pedestrian safety in urban areas, especially around high-traffic zones like restaurants and businesses. The lawsuit alleges the city failed to address known hazards, raising questions about municipal responsibility for public safety and the need for greater accountability when preventable tragedies occur.

The details

According to the complaint, a 19-year-old driving an SUV was trying to exit a parking lot on Donnelly Avenue in Downtown Burlingame when she collided with an 11-year-old riding an e-bike with his 10-year-old sister. The SUV driver then allegedly accelerated instead of braking, jumped the curb, and struck 4-year-old Ayden Fang on the sidewalk. The lawsuit claims the city knew a parking space close to where Ayden was struck created dangerous visibility conditions, but did not remove that spot until after the fatal crash.

  • The crash occurred last year in Burlingame, California.
  • The wrongful death lawsuit was filed on March 13, 2026.

The players

Ayden Fang

A 4-year-old boy who was killed in the Burlingame crash.

Xiaoming Fang

Ayden's father, who described the unimaginable loss and heartache of the family still grieving for their child.

Ting Ting Liu

Ayden's mother, who held onto the LEGO structure her son had made just two days before he was killed.

Mari Abey

The 19-year-old driving the SUV that was allegedly involved in the collision.

Niall McCarthy

The attorney representing Ayden's parents in the wrongful death lawsuit.

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What they’re saying

“He was cheated of his years, his toddler brother was robbed of a loving sibling and a best friend for life.”

— Xiaoming Fang, Ayden's father

“My wife and I were denied the sacred right of watching Ayden blossom through his teenage and adult years.”

— Xiaoming Fang, Ayden's father

“Cars were allowed to park right up to the edge of a driveway, which prohibited vehicles that were exiting that driveway from seeing.”

— Niall McCarthy, Attorney

“We're grateful for everyone working together to transform our suffering, to honor Aiden's legacy, and to affect positive changes.”

— Ting Ting Liu, Ayden's mother

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on whether to allow the lawsuit to proceed.

The takeaway

This tragic case underscores the need for cities to prioritize pedestrian safety, especially in high-traffic areas, and be held accountable when known hazards are not addressed in a timely manner. The lawsuit aims to spur changes that could prevent similar heartbreaking incidents in the future.