Vehicle strikes pedestrian in San Gabriel
December 13, 2025 | San Gabriel, CA
A tragic pedestrian accident claimed the life of 63-year-old Kelly Martinez on East Mission Drive in San Gabriel. Emergency responders arrived shortly after 6 p.m. at the scene in the 800 block, where Martinez suffered fatal blunt force injuries and was pronounced dead on site.
Kelly Martinez, 63, died after being struck by a vehicle in the 800 block of East Mission Drive in San Gabriel.
The driver involved stayed at the location and cooperated with authorities. San Gabriel Police are leading the inquiry and encourage witnesses to contact them at (626) 308-2828 with any details.
What Happened in the Crash?
- Date and Time: Saturday evening, around 6 p.m. on Dec. 13, 2025.
- Location: 800 block of East Mission Drive, San Gabriel, California.
- Victim: Kelly Martinez, 63, struck by an oncoming vehicle.
- Outcome: Martinez died at the scene from traumatic injuries, as confirmed by the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s Office.
- Driver Status: Remained present and is assisting investigators.
This incident highlights the vulnerabilities pedestrians face in urban settings, prompting a thorough review by law enforcement.
Why Do Pedestrian Accidents Like This Occur?
Pedestrian safety has become a pressing concern amid rising urban traffic volumes and evolving vehicle designs. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), 84% of pedestrian fatalities in 2023 took place in urban areas, a sharp increase from 59% in 1975.
Factors contributing to such crashes include:
- Increased prevalence of larger vehicles like SUVs and trucks, which have higher blind spots and crash severity.
- Road layouts prioritizing speed over safety.
- Driver distractions and failure to yield the right of way.
Statistic |
1975 |
2023 |
Source |
|---|
Urban Pedestrian Deaths (%) |
59% |
84% |
IIHS |
Total U.S. Pedestrian Fatalities |
About 6,000 |
About 7,500 |
NHTSA |
Common Cause: Distracted Driving |
Not Available |
25% of cases |
CDC |
Data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) underscore the need for enhanced safety measures.
Legal Insights on Pedestrian Crashes
National legal analysts at Newsline provide perspective on navigating these complex cases. In situations involving pedestrian crashes, independent investigations play a crucial role.
“In most instances, pedestrians possess the right of way when crossing an intersection or a street regardless of if they are in a marked crosswalk,” said Candice Bond, managing partner at Bond Legal.
Bond emphasized the value of thorough evidence gathering:
- Preserve scene details promptly to avoid degradation.
- Consult professionals to assess negligence factors like speed or impairment.
- Document medical and witness accounts for potential claims.
Stefano Formica, of counsel with Bond Legal, addressed the emotional toll:
“The stress and sorrow can be extremely overwhelming after losing a loved one in an accident,” said Stefano Formica.
Key takeaways include:
- Families may pursue wrongful death claims for companionship losses.
- Legal guidance ensures updates on official investigations.
- Protecting rights early maximizes support during grief.
Newsline, owned by Belsito Communications, Inc., stands as a premier digital news platform with an unwavering commitment to journalistic integrity and editorial excellence. Our rigorous standards ensure verified reporting, backed by our Corrections Policy that guarantees a 24-hour review of any concerns.
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(This report is based on verified data - learn more on our About Us page.)
Newsline - is your trusted source for legal news and accident reports, delivering timely updates to keep you informed.
Candice Bond, national legal analyst for Newsline, has extensive experience with fatal pedestrian accidents. If you or a loved one needs help, she offers free consultations.
(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).