Rancho Cordova, California (November 1, 2025) — Authorities have identified the pedestrian killed in a crash Saturday night in Rancho Cordova as 52-year-old Cory Donald Swope, a resident of the city. According to the Sacramento County Coroner’s Office, Swope died after being struck by a vehicle along the 11000 block of Folsom Boulevard.
Incident Details: The collision occurred between Mercantile Drive and Mine Shaft Lane. Officers from the Rancho Cordova Police Department and paramedics responded to the scene after receiving reports of a pedestrian down in the roadway. Despite life-saving efforts by emergency personnel, Swope succumbed to his injuries at the scene.
Authorities stated that the driver who struck Swope remained on the scene and cooperated fully with investigators. Sgt. Amar Gandhi, spokesperson for the Rancho Cordova Police Department, confirmed that the driver did not appear to be intoxicated. No arrests have been made, and police have not released additional details regarding the circumstances leading to the crash.
Investigation: The Rancho Cordova Police Department’s Traffic Unit is leading the investigation. Officers are reviewing various critical factors, including a detailed examination of physical evidence collected at the scene, the status and efficacy of roadway lighting in the immediate vicinity, and the careful synthesis of statements provided by all witnesses. Investigators will also analyze the vehicle’s speed and braking distance to establish whether the driver had a reasonable opportunity to avoid the collision. This includes an in-depth analysis of the involved vehicle’s speed at the moment of impact and a calculation of the braking distance.
California motorists are required to yield the right of way to pedestrians crossing within marked or unmarked crosswalks. However, pedestrians also bear a duty to use due care for their own safety and not enter the roadway when vehicles are too close to stop safely.
Legal Considerations: Pedestrian fatalities on major roadways, such as the tragic incident on Folsom Boulevard, frequently expose a complex interplay of systemic failures and human error. These collisions raise difficult, and often deeply painful, questions regarding visibility, the extent of driver awareness, and the underlying safety inherent in roadway design. The investigation must go beyond a simple determination of fault and thoroughly examine all contributing factors.
The Swope family may have the right to pursue a wrongful death claim to seek justice and compensation for funeral costs, loss of companionship, and emotional suffering.
I extend my heartfelt condolences to the family and loved ones of Cory Donald Swope as they grieve this tragic loss.
Source: ABC10 News