Pedestrian dies at scene of Laguna Niguel crash

A pedestrian who was struck by a vehicle in Laguna Niguel died on Monday, Dec. 31, authorities said.

The crash happened near near the intersection of Serenity Lane and Golden Lantern Street at about 7:30 a.m., said Lt. Ken Binning of the Orange County Sheriff’s Department. Joe Santos, 58, of Laguna Niguel, was found dead at the scene, according to the Orange County Coroner’s office.

The motorist involved in the crash remained at the scene and was interviewed by investigators, who do not believe drugs or alcohol were involved, said Carrie Braun, a spokeswoman for the Orange County Sheriff’s Department. She said the driver was not arrested, and called the incident a “terrible set of circumstances.”

“He just didn’t see the pedestrian, who was not crossing the street in a marked crosswalk.”

City News Service contributed to this report.