Costa Mesa man killed by hit-and-run vehicle strike in Laguna Beach

A hit-and-run collision killed a 60-year-old Costa Mesa man in Laguna Beach late Thursday night, authorities said.

The incident occurred at approximately 9:38 p.m. at the intersection of South Coast Highway and Pearl Street.

Laguna Beach police said a light-colored Volkswagen sedan allegedly struck a couple in a lit marked crosswalk at the location and then failed to stop at the scene, according to a news release issued Friday by the city. The Costa Mesa couple was believed to have been celebrating their anniversary.

Emergency personnel took the couple to Mission Hospital in Mission Viejo, where the man died of his injuries. His name was being withheld until family members could be notified. The woman was released from the hospital with minor injuries.

The intersection and crosswalk at South Coast Highway and Pearl Street where a 60-year-old Costa Mesa man was killed by a hit-and-run driver while walking in the crosswalk with his wife.

(Don Leach / Staff Photographer)

“We extend our deepest condolences to the victims of this tragedy and to their family during this difficult time,” Laguna Beach Police Chief Jeff Calvert said in a statement. “We encourage anyone who saw something or has information about the incident to please contact our detectives so the driver of the vehicle can be found and brought to justice.”

The major crimes unit of the Laguna Beach Police Department is investigating the incident. Authorities are asking anyone with information regarding the collision to contact major crimes detective Joy Butterfield at (949) 497-0373 or via email at jbutterfield@lagunabeachcity.net.

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