Long Beach is mourning the loss of a local resident following a traffic collision late last month that led to his eventual passing early this March. Carleton Carlson, aged 77, was struck by a vehicle while crossing the intersection of Palo Verde Avenue and Atherton Street on the evening of February 21, 2025, according to the Long Beach Police Department.
At around 7:24 p.m., Long Beach officers were called to the scene where the Long Beach Fire Department personnel were already providing medical aid to Carlson, who was then in critical but stable condition. After being rushed to a local hospital, he fought for his life over the following week. Tragically, last Sunday, Collision Investigation Detectives were informed that Carlson had succumbed to his injuries, as reported by the Long Beach Police Department.
The police have informed the public that the driver involved in the collision, which did not involve speed or reckless driving as contributing factors, remained at the scene and assisted in the investigation. The vehicle in question was a 2015 Toyota Camry traveling northbound on Palo Verde Avenue when it made contact with Carlson proceeding eastbound.
Detective Ashley Van Holland of the LBPD Collision Investigation Detail is leading the investigation into the incident. Authorities are urging anyone with information about the collision to make contact with Detective Van Holland directly at (562) 570-7355. Additionally, anonymous tips can be relayed through "LA Crime Stoppers," accessible by calling 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), or by using the "P3 TIPS" app, available on both Apple App Store and Google Play, as detailed in the information released by the Long Beach Police Department.
