Long Beach, CA (February 20, 2026) – A pedestrian was killed late February 18 after being struck by a pickup truck on 7th St just east of Cherry Ave, near the Rose Park neighborhood, according to Long Beach police.
The crash occurred shortly before 10:50 p.m. when a 2007 Toyota Tundra traveling eastbound in the right lane hit a man who had reportedly stepped into the street between two parked cars. Emergency responders transported the victim to a nearby hospital, where he was later pronounced dead. Authorities have not yet released the man’s name, pending family notification, and his age was not immediately available.
Police stated that the driver of the pickup truck remained at the scene and is cooperating with the investigation. Speed was believed to be a factor in the collision, which marked the second fatal crash in the city within just a few hours. However, authorities continue to investigate to confirm the cause of the crash and will release more information as soon as it becomes available.
Our condolences go out to the victim’s loved ones.
How Speeding Increases the Risk of Fatal Pedestrian Crashes in Cities
When vehicles travel at high speeds in city neighborhoods, the chances of a fatal crash rise sharply—especially for pedestrians. On roads like 7th St, where parked vehicles line both sides, people may step into traffic mid-block, creating sudden hazards for drivers.
Speed limits are designed to give drivers enough time to react, but even a small increase in speed can drastically reduce stopping distance. At higher speeds, the impact force is greater, leaving pedestrians with little chance of survival.
Neighborhoods like Rose Park, with dense housing and frequent foot traffic, are especially vulnerable to this type of collision. Local officials and safety advocates continue to raise awareness about the need for slower speeds and safer street designs to protect both drivers and pedestrians.