La Mesa, CA (January 2, 2026) – A man was killed early on Monday morning after being struck by a vehicle while walking on Interstate 8 near Jackson Dr, according to the California Highway Patrol.
The fatal auto-pedestrian collision occurred at approximately 1:18 a.m. on the eastbound side of I-8. CHP officers, La Mesa Police Department units, and local firefighters responded to the scene after receiving reports of a pedestrian in the traffic lanes.
Officials say the man was walking on the freeway when he was hit by an oncoming vehicle. Despite emergency response efforts, the victim succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene.
Following the collision, La Mesa police assisted with traffic control, closing the Spring Street on-ramp to eastbound I-8. The freeway remained shut down for several hours as CHP investigators processed the scene and gathered evidence.
The identity of the pedestrian has not been released pending notification of next of kin. The investigation remains ongoing.
We offer our deepest sympathies to the victim’s loved ones during this time of loss.
