Yesterday morning, a man was struck and killed on the Embarcadero Road onramp to southbound U.S. Highway 101 in Palo Alto, and the driver who hit him kept going, authorities said. The collision happened at about 5:48 a.m. The victim was believed to be about 60 years old. The driver did not stop, and an investigation is underway.
The California Highway Patrol, which is leading the investigation, said no suspect or vehicle description was available and asked the public to come forward, as reported by the San Francisco Chronicle. Investigators were canvassing the area for witnesses and any surveillance video that might help identify the driver.
CHP: Victim Likely Unhoused
CHP Officer Sophie Lu told the San Francisco Chronicle that the man “was most likely unhoused.” Lu said officers were trying to locate anyone who called about or witnessed the crash, as well as any video that may have captured what happened.
Hit-and-Run Fatalities In Context
Hit-and-run crashes remain a stubborn slice of traffic deaths, especially for people on foot or on bikes. A research note from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports 2,872 fatalities in crashes involving hit-and-run drivers in 2023, and roughly a quarter of pedestrian fatalities that year involved hit-and-run drivers.
Potential Legal Consequences
If investigators identify the fleeing driver, prosecutors could pursue felony hit-and-run charges under California law. Vehicle Code section 20001 makes leaving the scene of an accident that causes injury or death a crime, and California court rulings emphasize that the offense focuses on the failure to stop and render aid, with potential prison time and fines, as discussed in a Findlaw summary of People v. Martinez.
How To Help
Anyone who saw the crash or who has video is asked to contact the CHP Redwood City area office at (650) 779-2700. The CHP said it has no suspect description and that the investigation remains active.
No arrests have been reported, and authorities have not released the victim's name. The CHP continues to investigate and is asking the public to share any information that could identify the driver.
