Pedestrian Death in Fullerton Intersection Crash

Fatal Pedestrian Collision in Fullerton Highlights Risks at Busy Intersections

Overview of the Incident

A tragic pedestrian collision occurred on Sunday evening, November 23, 2025, at the intersection of South Gilbert Street and West Orangethorpe Avenue in Fullerton. According to the Fullerton Police Department, the crash took place around 6:40 p.m. as a white Toyota Prius, traveling southbound on Gilbert Street, turned westbound onto Orangethorpe Avenue. During the turn, the vehicle struck a man who was pushing a wheelchair northbound in a marked crosswalk on the west side of the intersection.

Emergency responders transported the injured pedestrian to a nearby hospital. Despite medical efforts, authorities later reported that his condition deteriorated and he was pronounced deceased. Investigators noted that alcohol and drugs did not appear to be factors in the crash. The driver remained at the scene and cooperated with officers. It was not immediately clear whether the pedestrian entered the crosswalk against a “Don’t Walk” signal. The investigation is ongoing.

Right-Turn Risks and Vulnerable Road Users

Right-turn collisions are a well-documented hazard at urban intersections, particularly after dark. Drivers often focus their attention to the left for oncoming traffic and gaps, then initiate a turn without fully re-checking the crosswalk to their right. When pedestrians are present—especially those pushing strollers or wheelchairs, or those using mobility devices—the consequences can be severe.

November evenings mean earlier darkness, and low-light conditions can reduce visibility of people in crosswalks. Street lighting, reflective pavement markings, and signal timing all influence the visibility and predictability of movements at intersections. This crash underscores the vulnerability of pedestrians—even within a marked crosswalk—and the need for heightened caution from turning drivers.

This heartbreaking collision in Fullerton is a stark reminder of how dangerous even routine intersections can become—especially after dark and during turning movements that require drivers to divide their attention. While investigators continue to determine the exact sequence of events, a family is now mourning the loss of a loved one who was struck while simply crossing the street in a marked crosswalk. These tragedies highlight the critical importance of driver vigilance, improved intersection design, and a deeper understanding of how right-turn dynamics can endanger pedestrians and individuals using mobility devices.

At Avian Law Group, we know how devastating and complex pedestrian fatality cases can be. Even when impairment is not suspected and a driver remains at the scene, multiple factors must still be examined: signal timing, driver attention, line-of-sight issues, lighting conditions, roadway layout, and whether additional safety measures could have prevented the crash. California law recognizes that pedestrians have rights, and families may pursue civil claims to secure answers, accountability, and compensation for the immense losses caused by such incidents.

If your family has been affected by a serious pedestrian collision, you do not need to navigate the aftermath alone. Our team is committed to providing compassionate guidance and aggressive advocacy to ensure your loved one’s story is fully heard and justice is pursued. At Avian Law Group, we stand with victims and their families every step of the way.