By Crash News Writer 
San Diego, CA (January 1, 2026) — A deadly pedestrian crash occurred late Tuesday night in the Midtown area of San Diego, prompting a full investigation by authorities.
According to the California Highway Patrol, the incident took place on December 31 along the northbound side of Interstate Highway 5 near Sassafras Street. Emergency responders arrived after receiving reports of a pedestrian struck by a vehicle in the northbound lanes.
The victim, who has not yet been publicly identified, was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver involved remained on site and cooperated with law enforcement during the initial investigation.
Several lanes of I-5 North were closed for an extended period as investigators worked to document the scene and clear the roadway.
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PLEASE TAKE NOTICE
This article is based on preliminary details from state and local authorities. For more guidance following a crash, refer to our frequently asked questions in California.
- The identity of the deceased pedestrian has not been publicly released, pending family notification.
- Investigators are still determining the exact cause of the crash and whether any contributing factors were involved.
- Traffic delays affected the area for several hours before the scene was cleared.
Support is available for victims’ families through accident resources in California.
The content in this article is for informational purposes only and is not intended as legal or medical advice. All information reflects publicly available data at the time of writing and may be subject to updates. Please read our full disclaimer.
If your family has lost a loved one in this crash, speak with a California personal injury lawyer today to explore your legal options and begin the process of seeking justice.