Michael McClellan dies after struck by vehicle on Jefferson Avenue

Vehicle struck pedestrian about 616 feet south of Via Montezuma

December 07, 2025 | Menifee, CA

A tragic traffic incident in Temecula resulted in the death of 56-year-old Michael McClellan from Menifee. Authorities reported the pedestrian was struck by a vehicle in an industrial area west of Interstate 15.

Michael McClellan, 56, of Menifee, died after a vehicle struck him Sunday evening on Jefferson Avenue south of Via Montezuma in Temecula.

Key Details of the Incident

• Date and Time: Sunday evening, Dec. 7, 2025
• Location: Jefferson Avenue, approximately 616 feet south of Via Montezuma, Temecula, California
• Victim: Michael McClellan, 56, of Menifee
• Outcome: Pronounced dead at the scene
• Driver: Remained at the scene following the collision
• Investigation Status: Ongoing by the Riverside County Sheriff-Coroner's Bureau

What Happened in the Crash?

The collision occurred in an industrial zone, where McClellan was walking along Jefferson Avenue. Deputies arrived to find the victim had sustained fatal injuries from the crash with the vehicle. Emergency responders attempted aid, but he was declared deceased on site. The exact circumstances leading to the pedestrian-vehicle contact are under review.

Why Do Pedestrian Accidents Like This Occur?

Pedestrian safety on U.S. roads has deteriorated, with urban areas seeing a sharp rise in fatalities. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), 84% of pedestrian deaths in 2023 happened in urban settings, compared to 59% in 1975. Contributing factors include larger vehicles such as SUVs and trucks, high-speed roadways, and driver inattention.

Legal Insights

National legal analysts provide perspective on pedestrian incidents, emphasizing the need for thorough investigations to support affected families.

“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.

Key takeaways from analyst insights:

• An independent investigation by a qualified attorney can preserve evidence and protect family rights in such cases.
• Time is critical, and prompt review of the scene ensures accurate reconstruction of events.
• Drivers generally must yield to pedestrians, potentially opening avenues for claims.

“It is almost always a driver’s duty to yield to any pedestrian,” said Stefano Formica, of counsel at Bond Legal. “Family members may seek damages for loss of income, companionship, pain and suffering, funeral costs, and emotional distress.”

Attorneys can assist families during this challenging period, advocating against lowball insurance settlements to secure fair compensation.

Ongoing Investigation and Community Effect

The Riverside County Sheriff-Coroner's Bureau continues to investigate the factors involved, including road conditions and visibility in the industrial area. Local residents are urged to stay vigilant around pedestrian zones near Interstate 15.

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