The incident occurred on Jefferson Avenue, about 616 feet south of Via Montezuma, at approximately 6:59 p.m. on Sunday, December 7, 2025.
Temecula, CA – One person was killed after a pedestrian was struck on Jefferson Ave in Temecula over the weekend, according to the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office.
The incident occurred on Jefferson Avenue, about 616 feet south of Via Montezuma, at approximately 6:59 p.m. on Sunday, December 7, 2025.
Authorities responded to the scene of the crash after receiving reports regarding a traffic collision involving a pedestrian and a vehicle. Details regarding the vehicle involved have not been released.
The victim, identified as 56-year-old Michael McClellan of Menifee, CA, was pronounced dead at the scene. There were no reported injuries to others, and no arrests have been made in connection with the crash.
The exact cause of the collision remains under investigation by the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office – Southwest, which is leading the case.
Authorities responded promptly, arriving at the scene to secure the area and begin their investigation.
The crash temporarily affected traffic along Jefferson Ave while responders conducted their work, though the duration of the disruption was not specified.
The incident remains under investigation. The Riverside County Sheriff’s Office continues to gather information and has asked anyone with details to contact their department.
Pedestrian accidents in Riverside County
According to a recent safety factsheet, in Riverside County, pedestrian fatalities amount to about 12.9 deaths per 100,000 residents. On average, the county records roughly 76 pedestrian or bicyclist fatalities per year (out of ~284 total traffic‑related fatalities annually).
From 2014 to 2024, the number of pedestrian-involved fatalities and serious injuries rose: fatalities peaked at 80 in both 2020 and 2023 (the lowest in 2014 was 45), while serious injuries peaked at 107 in 2023.
In 2022, county‑level data showed there were 543 pedestrian victims (killed or injured) in collisions, according to the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS).
What this means & Safety Implications
These statistics highlight that pedestrian‑involved crashes remain a serious public-safety concern in Riverside County. The upward trend in fatalities and serious injuries suggests that more needs to be done — from raising driver awareness to improving pedestrian infrastructure, especially in both urban and outlying areas.
If you’ve lost a loved one in a fatal pedestrian accident, speaking with a skilled pedestrian accident attorney can help you understand your legal rights during this difficult time. An attorney can guide your family through the claims process, protect your interests, and pursue compensation for your loss. Reach out today for compassionate legal support and a free case evaluation.