HUNTINGTON BEACH, CA (December 1, 2025) — A Huntington Beach man was killed Monday morning when he was struck by a pickup truck. The Orange County Sheriff’s Department identified the victim as 71-year-old Kurt George Nickel.
Accident Details: The crash was reported at about 6:25 a.m. at Springdale Street and Brannen Drive. A 37-year-old Huntington Beach man behind the wheel of an F250 pickup struck Nickel while driving north on Springdale, police said.
The driver cooperated with investigators and is not suspected of driving impaired, police said.
Investigation: Huntington Beach Police are investigating the fatal collision. Anyone who witnessed the collision is asked to call police at 714-536-5231.
Legal Considerations: Early morning pedestrian crashes raise questions about visibility, lighting conditions, and whether the pedestrian was crossing in a designated area. Drivers operating vehicles during dawn hours must account for reduced visibility and adjust their speed and attention accordingly.
Even when a driver cooperates with investigators and is not impaired, they can still be held liable if their negligence contributed to the collision. Negligence can include excessive speed for conditions, driver distraction, or failure to maintain proper lookout for pedestrians.
Elderly pedestrians like Nickel may move more slowly and have more difficulty judging vehicle speeds and distances. Drivers have a heightened duty to watch for vulnerable road users, including elderly pedestrians who may be crossing roadways.
California law requires drivers to exercise reasonable care to avoid striking pedestrians regardless of where the pedestrian is located. Even if a pedestrian crosses outside a marked crosswalk, drivers who had the opportunity to avoid the collision can still face liability.
Wrongful death claims in pedestrian cases compensate families for funeral expenses, medical costs before death, and the loss of their loved one’s companionship. The investigation’s findings about how and where the collision occurred will determine whether the driver can be held accountable.
Our condolences to the family and friends of Kurt George Nickel during this difficult time.
Source: Patch Orange County