Good Samaritan was struck while helping near State Route 76
June 11, 2026 | Fallbrook, CA
What happened in the crash?
A 12-year Marine Corps veteran was struck and killed while assisting at a crash scene.
Fallbrook resident Chad Tillman, 54, died after being struck while acting as a Good Samaritan at a crash scene on northbound Interstate 15.
- Date and time: Early Thursday morning, June 11
- Location: Northbound 15 Freeway near State Route 76, Fallbrook, CA
- Victim: Chad Tillman, 54, Fallbrook resident and Marine Corps veteran
- Vehicles involved: Toyota minivan, Honda CR-V, third unknown vehicle
- Initial cause: Rear-end collision followed by secondary impact
Chad Tillman was making a delivery when he stopped to help after a Toyota minivan was struck from behind by a Honda CR-V. While standing near the Honda with another Good Samaritan, a third vehicle hit the CR-V, striking both bystanders. Both were pronounced deceased at the scene. The 21-year-old Honda driver was later booked on DUI charges.
Why do pedestrian-involved freeway incidents occur?
Road conditions, visibility, and lighting are frequently examined in these cases.
- California recorded nearly 7,500 pedestrian deaths from 2009–2018
- State pedestrian fatality rate remains 25% above national average
- U.S. pedestrian deaths reached an estimated 6,590 in 2019
| Year Range | Pedestrian Fatalities (CA) | Notes |
|---|
| 2009–2018 | ~7,500 | Highest state total in U.S. |
| 2019 | 6,590 (national) | Highest in 30+ years |
Legal Insights
“Road conditions, visibility, and lighting are all possible contributing factors considered and examined. Resources such as accident reconstruction can help piece together events in cases such as this.”
— Candice bond, managing partner
Key points in cases such as this:
- Families may pursue claims covering loss of companionship and funeral costs
- Insurance companies sometimes encourage quick settlements below case value
- Legal guidance helps ensure fair evaluation of damages
“It is almost always a driver’s duty to yield to any pedestrian. An attorney can help guide families while protecting their rights in cases such as this.”
— Stefano formica, of counsel
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(This report is based on verified data - learn more on our About Us page.)
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If you or a family member has been affected by a similar incident, national legal analyst Candice Bond is available for a free consultation. Use the contact information provided on this page.
(Candice Bond, our national legal analyst, is a Managing Partner at Bond Legal. Newsline can and does use quotes from prior interviews with our analysts for our news articles. If you would like to contact Bond Legal to help you, please call 866-985-6515 or use the submission box found on this page. Legal analysts quoted may or may not be licensed in your state).
Tags: Latest News, Non Commercial, Pedestrian Accident, California, Northbound 15 Freeway near State Route 76, Fallbrook