UPDATE: Six individuals have tragically lost their lives in a series of traffic accidents across San Diego County over the past two weeks, with the latest fatalities occurring just this weekend. Authorities have confirmed these incidents are part of a concerning spike in pedestrian-related deaths.
The most recent incident occurred on November 25, 2023, around 11:55 p.m. when a vehicle struck Alexander Leroux, 57, in the 3500 block of India Street in the Middletown district. Despite paramedics rushing him to UCSD Medical Center, he was pronounced dead shortly after arrival.
Just hours earlier, an 83-year-old man named Eduardo Sanchez was struck by a 2011 Jeep Liberty at approximately 6:00 p.m. in the 200 block of East San Ysidro Boulevard. He suffered severe injuries, including a brain bleed and pelvic fractures, and died the following evening at UCSD Medical Center.
On November 22, 2023, Esteban Rodriguez, 21, died at the scene after his sedan veered off state Route 125 and crashed into a tree around 5:30 a.m.. This incident marks a disturbing trend in traffic safety in the area.
Earlier in the month, Guillermo Pagan, 55, suffered fatal injuries due to an SUV collision at 4:30 a.m. on November 20 while walking along state Route 94. Tragically, he succumbed to his injuries before paramedics could transport him to a hospital.
In another pedestrian-related incident on November 19, Eleanor Anslow, 38, was struck multiple times in the 7500 block of Mission Gorge Road around 4:45 a.m. and was pronounced dead at the scene.
The series of accidents began with an incident on November 18, where Lucy Prewitt Starkes, 89, was critically injured in a collision at the Jamacha-area intersection. She was turning her Volkswagen Jetta when it was hit by a Ford Excursion, leading to extensive injuries that resulted in her passing six days later at Scripps Mercy Hospital.
These incidents highlight the urgent need for improved traffic safety measures in San Diego County. With multiple fatalities in just weeks, community leaders and officials are urged to take immediate action to prevent further tragedies.
As investigations continue, authorities are urging pedestrians and drivers alike to exercise caution on the roads. Residents are encouraged to stay informed on traffic updates and safety initiatives as the area grapples with this alarming trend.
Stay tuned for more updates as authorities work to address the rising concern over traffic safety in San Diego County.
