A run along a quiet Borrego Springs desert road ended in tragedy yesterday when a 25-year-old man was struck and killed by a pickup while running on Di Giorgio Road, according to the California Highway Patrol. Emergency crews pronounced the runner dead at the scene, and the roadway was shut down while investigators worked. The driver stayed at the scene and was not injured, officials said.
Crash Details From Investigators
According to FOX5 San Diego, CHP investigators said the victim was running northbound within the northbound lane of Di Giorgio Road when a 2011 Nissan Frontier, driven by a 61-year-old Borrego Springs man, hit him. The truck was reportedly traveling about 50 mph at the time of the collision. Emergency responders pronounced the runner dead at the scene, and the driver was unhurt.
Investigation And Safety Notes
The California Highway Patrol said alcohol and drugs are not believed to be factors in the crash. Investigators noted that the runner did not appear to be wearing reflective clothing or lighting. The agency used the incident as a reminder that running in or near roadways, especially in areas with higher speeds, can put people at serious risk. CHP officers remained on scene to document the collision and collect evidence.
Pedestrian Safety In Context
Pedestrian deaths remain a stubborn problem in California: there were 1,057 pedestrian fatalities statewide in 2023, and San Diego County was among the counties with high pedestrian fatality counts, according to UC Berkeley SafeTREC. Safety experts urge runners to use shoulders facing traffic, wear reflective gear or carry lights in low-light conditions, and avoid running in travel lanes when possible. Rural stretches and higher speeds can make collisions on desert roads particularly deadly.
What’s Next
CHP will complete a formal collision report, and investigators have not yet released the victim's name, pending notification of his family. Anyone with information about the crash is asked to contact the California Highway Patrol.
