Novato, CA – In the early hours of Saturday, July 18, 2026, a pedestrian collision resulted in the death of a man on the southbound Highway 101 Rowland Boulevard off-ramp, according to CHP Fatal.
The California Highway Patrol reports that the accident took place around 2:19 AM.
Authorities said a man was found lying face down in the middle of the off-ramp, blocking traffic. A reporting party in a silver Toyota Corolla had stopped on the right shoulder, though no vehicles were found to be associated with the collision at the time. The off-ramp was closed while fire department personnel and officers responded to the scene.
The Marin County Sheriff’s Office was notified to respond in its capacity as coroner. Novato Police Department was also notified.
An evidence tow was requested for the Toyota Corolla. Fire department personnel returned to the scene to clean the roadway before it was fully cleared at approximately 4:49 AM.
No additional details regarding the identity of the deceased had been released at the time of reporting. The investigation remains ongoing.
Marin County Pedestrian Accidents and Wrongful Death Claims
California law requires drivers to exercise an extra duty of care toward pedestrians, remaining vigilant and prepared to stop even in low-visibility nighttime conditions on freeway off-ramps. When a pedestrian collision results in a fatality, investigators with California law enforcement examine visibility, speed, and the actions of any drivers in the area to determine the cause and whether any party may bear liability.
Regardless of the findings, the family of the deceased may have the right to pursue a wrongful death claim. A wrongful death claim can provide the family with compensation for funeral expenses, loss of financial support, loss of consortium, and other damages related to the fatal accident.
