Pedestrian Killed By Semi Truck On State Route 74 ID'd As Pasadena Man

WINCHESTER, CA — A pedestrian on state Route 74 in Winchester was hit by a Freightliner tractor-trailer early Wednesday morning and did not survive his injuries, authorities confirmed.

Felipe Beltran-Salgado, 34, of Pasadena was hit shortly before 2:30 a.m. as he walked on the eastbound side of the highway, just west of Amanda Avenue, according to information from the California Highway Patrol and the Riverside County Sheriff-Coroner's Bureau.

"The Freightliner crashed into the pedestrian who was walking on the roadway," the CHP reported. "The pedestrian became airborne and was propelled in a southeasterly direction onto the shoulder of the road."

The man was sent by ground ambulance to Loma Linda Medical Center-Murrieta but died less than an hour after the crash, according to the coroner and CHP.

There were no reports that the trucker, a 59-year-old Hemet man, was injured or arrested.

"At this time, it is unknown if alcohol or drugs were a contributing factor in this crash," the CHP announced. "This crash is still under investigation."

The law enforcement agency issued a statement about driver and pedestrian responsibilities.

"The California Highway Patrol would like to remind California drivers and pedestrians that although the pedestrian laws have changed, the law does not relieve pedestrians from the duty of using due care for their safety," the agency said. "The law also does not relieve a driver of a vehicle from the duty of exercising due care for the safety of any pedestrian within the roadway."

Anyone with information about the incident was asked to call CHP Officer Digati at 951-769-2000.