SAN DIEGO, CA (December 4, 2025) — A woman died early Wednesday morning after being struck by two vehicles on Mission Gorge Road in San Carlos. The San Diego County Medical Examiner identified the victim as 38-year-old Eleanor Anslow of San Diego.
Accident Details: The San Diego Police Department reported that the incident occurred shortly after 4:30 a.m. in the 7500 block of Mission Gorge Road, near Princess View Drive. Police said a 2021 Honda CRV driven by a 47-year-old man was traveling south when he struck Anslow mid-block. According to investigators, the Honda driver only saw her at the last moment.
After being hit, Anslow ended up on the ground near where she was struck. While she was on the ground, a second car, a 2022 Tesla Model Y driven by a 66-year-old man, drove over her. Anslow died at the scene.
The medical examiner reported that Anslow was in the roadway for an unknown reason when the collisions occurred.
Investigation: The San Diego Police Department is investigating what led to the collisions. Authorities have not disclosed why Anslow was in the roadway mid-block or whether the drivers will face any citations.
Legal Considerations: Pedestrians struck by multiple vehicles in succession face almost certain fatal injuries. When a pedestrian is hit by one vehicle and left in the roadway where a second vehicle runs over them, questions arise about both drivers’ liability and whether either could have prevented the tragedy.
The first driver’s statement that he only saw Anslow at the last moment raises questions about whether he was traveling at a safe speed, maintaining proper lookout, or was distracted. Drivers have a duty to see what is there to be seen, and failure to observe a pedestrian in the roadway can constitute negligence.
The second driver faces scrutiny for running over someone already on the ground. Whether he had time to see and avoid Anslow, or whether the first collision made avoidance impossible, will determine his potential liability.
Pedestrians in roadways during early morning hours face extreme danger due to darkness and reduced visibility. However, drivers still must exercise reasonable care and watch for unexpected hazards, including people in the road.
Wrongful death claims in cases involving multiple striking vehicles can name both drivers as defendants if both contributed to the fatal outcome. California’s joint and several liability rules may allow families to recover full damages from either driver, with the drivers then sorting out responsibility between themselves.
The fact that Anslow was in the roadway for unknown reasons does not automatically absolve the drivers of liability. The investigation must determine whether either driver could have avoided striking her through reasonable care.
Our condolences to the family and friends of Eleanor Anslow during this sorrowful time.
Source: NBC San Diego / Times of San Diego