Man killed after exiting car on Santiago Canyon Road

A man who exited his car after crashing into a tree on Santiago Canyon Road was struck and killed, the California Highway Patrol said on Wednesday, July 4.

The victim, whose name has not been released, was driving a blue Hyundai Sonata northbound south of Hicks Haul Road shortly after midnight when an “unsafe turning movement” led to his losing control of the car, a CHP news release said.

The car veered to the right, hit a tree, then came to rest on its wheels on the west side of Santiago Canyon Road, in the opposing traffic lane.

The man then got out of the car, the CHP said.

Meanwhile, a silver Hyundai Elantra driven by Luis Rocha was traveling southbound on Santiago Canyon Road, south of Hicks Haul Road, the release stated.

“Due to existing roadway conditions, Mr. Rocha was unable to avoid a collision with the Hyundai Sonata,” the CHP said. “The front of Mr. Rocha’s Hyundai Elantra collided with the front of Mr. Doe’s Hyundai Sonata, striking Mr. Doe and causing traumatic injuries.”

The victim, who was referred to as “John Doe” in the release, was pronounced dead at the scene. His name is being withheld pending notification of family.