Pedestrian Struck And Killed On Coast Highway In Laguna Beach

LAGUNA BEACH, CA — A pedestrian was killed in a crash involving multiple vehicles on South Coast Highway in Laguna Beach Sunday night, forcing the closure of all southbound lanes of the busy road.

According to the Laguna Beach Police Department, a woman was crossing the street near Ruby's outside the crosswalk when she was struck by multiple vehicles. Paramedics rushed her to a nearby hospital where she was pronounced dead.

The crash occurred at about 6 p.m. near the 30600 block of South Coast Highway.

"While in the southbound lanes, she was struck by multiple vehicles," according to Laguna Beach Police Department statement. "The deceased female has not been identified, and drugs and alcohol do not appear to factor in the collision. The involved motorists remained at the location of the crash and are cooperating with police."

The southbound lanes of South Coast Highway remained closed from Nyes Place/Coast Highway. to Laguna Terrace/Coast Highway for hours Sunday night as police investigated the fatal crash. The #2 lane on the northbound side of Coast Highway was open Sunday night, but police advised drivers to plan alternative routes.

“We are deeply saddened by yet another pedestrian fatality on Coast Highway and we send our sincere condolences to the family and friends of the deceased,” Laguna Beach Mayor Bob Whalen said. “Coast Highway is owned and operated by Caltrans and we will reach out to them to determine if they can implement additional safety improvements to make the roadway safer for pedestrians. We need to hold Caltrans accountable to find safety solutions to avoid more tragic accidents in our City.”

Anyone with information about the crash is asked to contact the Laguna Beach Police Department at 949-497-0701.