On Sunday, November 16, 2025, at approximately 9:03 p.m., police officers responded to the intersection of S. Magnolia Avenue and W. Orangethorpe Avenue regarding a traffic collision involving a pedestrian, according to the Fullerton Police Department.
When officers arrived, they located an adult female in the roadway suffering from traumatic injuries. A black Nissan Altima and a white Mercedes GL550 were also found nearby.
Fullerton Fire personnel immediately began life-saving efforts, and the pedestrian was transported to a local hospital, where she was later pronounced deceased.
Both involved drivers remained at the scene and are cooperating with investigators.
Preliminary investigation indicates the pedestrian was walking northbound from the southeast corner of the intersection against a red light. A black Nissan traveling eastbound in the number two lane on W. Orangethorpe Avenue, with a green light, struck the pedestrian as the vehicle entered the crosswalk. The pedestrian was struck a second time by a white Mercedes that was traveling eastbound on W. Orangethorpe Ave. directly behind the Nissan.
At this time, neither alcohol nor drugs appear to be contributing factors for either driver.
The identity of the deceased will be released by the Orange County Coroner’s Office.
Anyone who may have witnessed this incident is encouraged to contact Fullerton Police Traffic Accident Investigator J. Manes at (714) 738-6815 or jmanes@fullertonpd.org. Anonymous information can be provided through Orange County Crime Stoppers at 1-855-TIP-OCCS or online at occrimestoppers.org.
- Pedestrian fatalities in California remain high. In 2023 (the most recent finalized year), 1,106 pedestrians were killed, which was about 27% of all traffic deaths statewide. [ots.ca.gov], [safetrec.b…rkeley.edu]
- Early statewide data for 2024 recorded 1,027 pedestrian deaths, and 2025 is trending slightly higher so far, according to preliminary reports. [harcourthealth.com]
- For context, California consistently ranks among the most dangerous states for pedestrians, and these deaths account for roughly one in four traffic fatalities. [danielan.com]
- Key risk factors include nighttime crashes (73% of fatal incidents occur after sunset), speeding, distracted driving, and poorly lit intersections. [harcourthealth.com]