Pedestrian Struck and Killed in New Year's Day Accident on Highway 50 in South Lake Tahoe

An unidentified man was pronounced dead at the scene after being struck by a SUV in front of Whiskey Dicks and the Town and Country Center Wednesday night around 8 pm.

The SUV was being driven eastbound on Highway 50 by 19 year old local Uriel Ortiz. Ortiz was not under the influence and appeared to be driving the speed limit.

When officers and medics arrived, the victim was lying on the ground in the driveway of the shopping center. He appeared to be in his 40’s, was wearing dark clothing and was without identification on his person. No one has yet reported the victim as missing to SLTPD.

There is no crosswalk permitting pedestrian crossing of Lake Tahoe Boulevard in the immediate area of the collision.

No arrests or citations have been generated in this case. Investigators have not fully determined all of the details as yet. We are trying to confirm which direction the pedestrian was walking prior to being struck. The investigation is continuing Thursday and more details will be available later. The El Dorado County Sheriff’s Department will be responsible for releasing the identity of the victim after this has been determined and next of kin can be notified.

If anyone witnessed this collision, they are encouraged to call Detective Doug Sentell at 530-542-6100 in reference to case number 1401-0106.