Police Investigate Death of RV Hop-On in Solana Beach

SOLANA BEACH, CA - A man was killed when he stepped off the back of an RV into oncoming traffic while the RV was traveling on the northbound San Diego (5) Freeway, the California Highway Patrol said Tuesday.

Officers were trying to track down the driver of the white 80s model RV because it didn't stop after the man was run over about 11:15 p.m. Monday near the Lomas Santa Fe Drive exit.

Witnesses told police the man was hanging off the back steps of the RV while holding onto the ladder when he stepped off and fell into traffic, his actions appearing to be intentional, according to CHP Sgt. Curtis Martin.

The man, whose name was withheld pending family notification, rolled across the pavement and came to rest in a lane just north of Via de la Valle, where he was run over by four vehicles, including two big rigs. He died at the scene.

Witnesses told police they flashed their lights at the RV, which was traveling about the speed limit, to let the driver know the man was on the back, Curtis said, adding it was not immediately known if the driver knew if the man was aboard the RV.

"The RV never stopped," Martin said. "...From witnesses said, it sounded like the actions (of the deceased) were intentional and he did not slip."

Investigators believe the person behind the wheel of the RV might not have even been aware that the man was clinging to the back of it, CHP public-affairs Officer Jim Bettencourt said.

Anyone with information about the incident or the RV was urged to contact the CHP at (760) 643-3400.

- City News Service / Image via Shutterstock