A pedestrian was struck and killed while walking in traffic on Highway 79 in French Valley, authorities said Wednesday.
The fatality occurred at 9:20 p.m. Monday on the northbound 79, just south of Skyview Road, according to the California Highway Patrol.
Officer Mike Lassig said the victim, identified only as a 31-year-old Moreno Valley man, was walking in the No. 1 lane of the four-lane corridor when a man at the wheel of a 2019 Mercedes Benz GLC 300 approached at an unconfirmed speed.
“The driver was unable to see the pedestrian walking in the lane,” Lassig said. “The Mercedes’ front end collided into the pedestrian.”
The motorist, whose identity was not disclosed, immediately stopped and called 911.
Riverside County Fire Department paramedics reached the location within a few minutes and pronounced the victim dead at the scene.
The driver suffered minor injuries and was treated by paramedics but did not require hospitalization, Lassig said.
He said that alcohol or drugs did not appear to be factors in the fatality. The motorist was questioned but not arrested.
Anyone with information about the case was asked to contact the CHP Temecula office at 951-466-4300.