William Schaaf dies in pedestrian accident on Beach Boulevard

Vehicle struck pedestrian near Heil Avenue intersection

January 31, 2026 | Huntington Beach, CA

A tragic collision claimed the life of 31-year-old William Daniel Schaaf on Beach Boulevard near Heil Avenue, according to local authorities.

William Daniel Schaaf, 31, died after a BMW 330i struck him near the Beach Boulevard and Heil Avenue intersection in Huntington Beach.

The accident unfolded around 9 p.m. when a northbound gray BMW 330i struck Schaaf, a Huntington Beach resident. Emergency responders attempted to save him, but he was declared deceased at the location.

The vehicle's 23-year-old driver from Reseda remained at the scene and is assisting investigators from the Huntington Beach Police Department (HBPD) Multidisciplinary Accident Investigation Team (MAIT).

What Happened in the Crash?

Key details from the incident include:

• Date and Time: Jan. 31, approximately 9 p.m.
• Location: Beach Boulevard and Heil Avenue intersection, Huntington Beach.
• Victim: William Daniel Schaaf, 31, pronounced dead on site despite medical efforts.
• Vehicle Involved: Gray BMW 330i traveling northbound.
• Driver: 23-year-old male from Reseda, cooperative with police.

Authorities continue to examine factors contributing to the collision, emphasizing pedestrian safety in busy areas.

Why Do Pedestrian Accidents Like This Occur?

Pedestrian fatalities have surged in recent years, outpacing population growth significantly. The Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA) reports that walking deaths increased nearly seven times faster than U.S. population growth over the past decade.

Common causes include:

• Distracted driving or walking.
• Failure to yield at crosswalks.
• High-speed travel in urban zones.
• Poor visibility during evening hours.

To illustrate broader trends, here's a summary of national pedestrian safety data:

This table highlights the urgent need for enhanced road safety measures, drawing from Federal Highway Administration and CDC reports.

Legal Insights on Pedestrian Crashes

National legal analysts provide valuable perspectives on incidents involving vulnerable road users like pedestrians.

“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 such analyses include:

• Drivers must always yield to pedestrians to prevent tragedies.
• Independent investigations by skilled professionals protect families' interests in these cases.
• Preserving evidence promptly is essential for determining liability.

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

Additional points to consider:

• Attorneys can guide families through legal processes compassionately.
• Insurance firms may push for low settlements, and exper representation ensures fair compensation.
• Time-sensitive actions help secure rights following a catastrophic crash.

Newsline, a premier digital news platform owned by Belsito Communications, Inc., upholds rigorous editorial standards with an unwavering commitment to journalistic integrity and editorial excellence. Our stories undergo thorough fact-checking and review. Readers can access our Corrections Policy for transparency, including a 24-hour review guarantee. 

Explore our Editorial Process and Editorial Policy to learn more about our dedication to accurate reporting.

(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.