Sacramento County, CA – In the early hours of Monday, January 12, 2026, an adult male pedestrian was killed after being struck by a vehicle at the intersection of Elkhorn Boulevard and Diablo Drive, according to CHP Fatal.
California Highway Patrol logs indicate the collision was reported at approximately 12:14 AM as a vehicle-versus-pedestrian incident. The pedestrian was described as a male, and the involved vehicle was reported to be a beige or tan four-door sedan of unknown make and model. The vehicle was still at the scene and was reported to be disabled following the collision.
Fire department personnel were requested and responded to the scene to provide emergency assistance. Despite lifesaving efforts, the pedestrian was pronounced dead. The exact time of death was not specified in the incident log.
Due to the severity of the collision, CHP implemented a full closure of westbound lanes of Elkhorn Boulevard at Hillsdale to protect the scene and allow for emergency and investigative operations. County Roads was notified to assist with traffic control and roadway closures while officers conducted their investigation.
The Sacramento County Coroner was requested and later responded to the scene as part of standard fatal-collision procedures. CHP initiated an evidence tow, and the involved vehicle was transported to a tow yard for further examination.
Officers documented the scene, collected evidence, and coordinated with assisting agencies to ensure the roadway could be safely reopened. No additional information regarding contributing factors or the identity of the pedestrian was released.
The collision remains under investigation by the California Highway Patrol.
Pedestrian Fatalities and Wrongful Death Claims
Drivers have a Duty of Care towards pedestrians, which includes being vigilant for those travelling by foot and, if a collision occurs, staying with the victim, alerting emergency responders, and cooperating with authorities investigating the crash.
For those who lose a loved one in a pedestrian accident, filing a Wrongful Death claim with the assistance of an experienced attorney can provide compensation for medical bills, funeral costs, and other related damages.
Should the at-fault driver evade authorities, compensation might still be available through a family member’s uninsured driver coverage. Consulting with a personal injury attorney can help determine the best options in such cases.
