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San Jose, CA (August 6, 2026) – A pedestrian died after being struck by a vehicle early on Thursday, August 6, along southbound State Route 85 near the Camden Avenue off-ramp in San Jose.
According to the California Highway Patrol dispatch log, the first caller reported hitting an unknown object while traveling in the slow lane shortly before 1:40 a.m. The driver then pulled onto the right shoulder and reported damage to the windshield along with a bleeding injury. Moments later, an off-duty deputy at the scene confirmed the object was a pedestrian lying in the slow lane after a vehicle struck the person.
Emergency units shut down multiple southbound lanes and later diverted traffic to the Camden Avenue off-ramp while the roadway remained closed for several hours. The Santa Clara County Coroner was requested and arrived at the roadway during the investigation.
No information about any additional vehicles involved was immediately available. The cause of the fatal collision remains under investigation as more information is gathered.
We extend our heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of the person who lost their life.
Why Are Pedestrian Crashes on Freeways Especially Dangerous?
Pedestrian crashes on high-speed highways are usually far more severe than those on city streets because drivers have much less time to recognize and avoid a person in the roadway. Limited lighting, higher travel speeds, and unexpected obstacles can make stopping safely extremely difficult. In many cases, investigators review roadway lighting, visibility, traffic patterns, vehicle damage, and witness statements to better understand what occurred.
Video footage, if available, may also help establish the sequence of events. While freeways are generally designed for vehicle traffic rather than pedestrians, there are situations in which people enter these roadways due to emergencies, disabled vehicles, or other unforeseen circumstances. Gathering accurate evidence helps provide a clearer picture of how such tragedies happen.
