San Luis Obispo, California (December 2025) — Authorities have identified the pedestrian who was struck and killed last week in San Luis Obispo as Maria Dolores Harper Morgan, 70, a local resident, according to the San Luis Obispo Police Department.
Incident Details: The fatal collision occurred before dawn on Wednesday as Morgan was crossing Santa Rosa Street near Montalban Street, police said. Emergency responders arrived quickly and attempted life-saving measures, but Morgan suffered significant injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene.
The driver involved, a 66-year-old resident of San Luis Obispo, remained at the scene and cooperated with the investigators. Police reported that drugs and alcohol are not believed to have been factors in the crash. Morgan’s next of kin had been notified as of Monday morning, according to department officials.
Investigation: The San Luis Obispo Police Department continues to investigate the circumstances leading up to the collision. In early-morning pedestrian crashes, investigators typically examine visibility conditions, lighting, and whether reduced daylight played a role in a driver’s ability to see someone crossing the roadway.
Detectives are expected to review physical evidence from the scene, including vehicle damage, debris patterns, and the pedestrian’s path of travel. They may also analyze whether traffic signals, crosswalk markings, or street lighting were present and functioning properly at the time of the crash. Surveillance footage from nearby businesses or residences may help clarify timing, vehicle speed, and driver reaction.
Investigators will also consider whether the driver was traveling at a safe speed for conditions and whether reasonable care was exercised while approaching an area where pedestrians commonly cross.
Legal Considerations: Pedestrian fatalities often raise difficult questions for families seeking to understand how a routine crossing turned deadly. California law requires drivers to exercise due care and remain vigilant for pedestrians, particularly in low-light conditions when visibility is reduced.
Maria Dolores Harper Morgan was 70 years old and a member of the San Luis Obispo community. Her death leaves loved ones grieving a sudden and irreversible loss. Even when impairment is not suspected, civil liability may still arise if investigators determine that a driver failed to maintain a proper lookout or did not adjust driving behavior for the conditions.
If negligence is established, Morgan’s family may have grounds to pursue a wrongful death claim seeking compensation for funeral expenses and the profound loss of companionship and support. While no legal action can undo the harm, accountability can help families find answers and promote safer driving practices.
I extend my deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of Maria Dolores Harper Morgan during this difficult time.
Source: San Luis Obispo Tribune